prototype build HMS Sphinx 1775 by James H - FINISHED - Vanguard Models - 1:64

[James H]

I usually dilute about 50:50, depending on glue/varnish type.

[myxyzptlyk2003]

Excellent.   Thanks much for the info.    Here in the states I found a matt finish acrylic varnish.    So I'll give that one a try.  I hope I can replicate at least some of the level of finish you have on your models.

And here in Wisconsin, it is very hard to find a matt finish varnish in my area.   Lots of gloss, semi gloss and satin.   But hardly any matt finish.

[Gregory]

Do they let you order from Amazon in Wisconsin?  😁

[mtaylor]

4 hours ago, myxyzptlyk2003 said:

Excellent.   Thanks much for the info.    Here in the states I found a matt finish acrylic varnish.    So I'll give that one a try.  I hope I can replicate at least some of the level of finish you have on your models.

And here in Wisconsin, it is very hard to find a matt finish varnish in my area.   Lots of gloss, semi gloss and satin.   But hardly any matt finish.

If you have a hobby shop that carries Vallejo paints, they make a matt varnish.  

[Malcolm Greig]

Sphinx arrived in NZ safe and sound. Very well packaged for international travel.  Wonderful looking kit and everything ship shape. Nothing moved around and nothing broken. Very pleased. The photo etching is absolutely fantastic.   

 

regards

 

Malcolm

 

 

[EKE]

16 hours ago, myxyzptlyk2003 said:

Excellent.   Thanks much for the info.    Here in the states I found a matt finish acrylic varnish.    So I'll give that one a try.  I hope I can replicate at least some of the level of finish you have on your models.

And here in Wisconsin, it is very hard to find a matt finish varnish in my area.   Lots of gloss, semi gloss and satin.   But hardly any matt finish.

During my Zulu build, I experimented with these three varnishes, and I ended up using the Minwax water-based Polycrylic varnish.  I think it’s terrific stuff.  Goes on a milky white, but dries perfectly clear.  It has a very nice color on the pearwood from the kit.  It has a self-leveling quality, so that you really don’t see brushstrokes after it dries.  And cleanup is easy, as it’s water based.  I recommend trying it.  I got it delivered from Amazon.  

 

Edited August 31, 2021 by EKE

[paul carruthers]

19 hours ago, James H said:

I usually dilute about 50:50, depending on glue/varnish type.

James did you varnish all the non painted wood as you built?

We’re the etched decks varnished?

 

thanks

[James H]

3 minutes ago, paul carruthers said:

James did you varnish all the non painted wood as you built?

We’re the etched decks varnished?

 

thanks

Yes, I varnished as I went along.

 

I part-varnished the deck, excluding an inch along each side. When the cannon were glued down to the bare wood deck, I then infilled those areas in varnish. A little  time-consuming, but quite easy. I didn't want to glue anything down to an already varnished deck, for the sake of joint integrity. 

[Jasseji]

On 8/31/2021 at 6:42 PM, James H said:

Yes, I varnished as I went along.

 

I part-varnished the deck, excluding an inch along each side. When the cannon were glued down to the bare wood deck, I then infilled those areas in varnish. A little  time-consuming, but quite easy. I didn't want to glue anything down to an already varnished deck, for the sake of joint integrity. 

and you used Matte Varnish, right ?

[James H]

1 hour ago, Jasseji said:

and you used Matte Varnish, right ?

Yes, matt varnish on everything. 

[Jasseji]

5 minutes ago, James H said:

Yes, matt varnish on everything. 

Any particular brand ? i use mostly Vallejo, but their matt varnish doesnt want to work with airbrushes (the Satin works well tho, but then the gloss is there of course)

[James H]

6 minutes ago, Jasseji said:

Any particular brand ? i use mostly Vallejo, but their matt varnish doesnt want to work with airbrushes (the Satin works well tho, but then the gloss is there of course)

I just use this stuff, thinned with white spirit:

 

[Glenn-UK]

14 minutes ago, James H said:

I just use this stuff, thinned with white spirit:

 

Ditto 

[James H]

After around 5 1/2 months, HMS Sphinx is now finally complete and the updated box label and manual are with the printers for the next production run. 

 

This last stage has of course been the rig, but I've added a few photos too which show the stand etc. There's not too much to say at this point. You will notice that all the blocks are the optional pear set and not the standard kit parts. Here's a fe sequence shots showing yards fitted, and stays etc.

 

 

 

And finally, here are the completed images. 

 

Hope you like her!

 

 

 

 

[BobG]

Fantastic build log, James!

 

One of the things I love about this model is how much detail there is. At the same time, so much of the detail in the lower decks is covered up once the model is complete. Can you actually see much looking down through the main deck openings to the deck below with all the canons and the stove etc? 

 

 

[Kevin]

Stunning @James H

[Hubac's Historian]

The model is first-rate, but that plastic base is lacking, IMHO.  The manufacturer should consider upgrading this, even just a little.

[Oboship]

Simply beautiful, James and Chris!

 

Uwe

[James H]

1 hour ago, Hubac's Historian said:

The model is first-rate, but that plastic base is lacking, IMHO.  The manufacturer should consider upgrading this, even just a little.

 

The stand is actually quite nice but it's difficult to capture with it being clear. I do think it's far nicer than general fare you get in kits these days....if indeed you get anything. 

[Malcolm Greig]

Congratulations to Chris and James. Magnificent effort and result. 

 

regards

 

Malcolm 

[EKE]

This is just so impressive.  Wonderful job, James and Chris!  I expect that you will sell as many as you can make, Mr. Watton.

 

[Ryland Craze]

Beautiful kit Chris and a masterpiece build by James.

[Hubac's Historian]

43 minutes ago, James H said:

 

The stand is actually quite nice but it's difficult to capture with it being clear. I do think it's far nicer than general fare you get in kits these days....if indeed you get anything. 

Fair enough.  Pictures often don’t do justice, so I will definitely give you the benefit of the doubt.

[Tony Hunt]

Hard to believe that's a kit. Fabulous.

[Old Collingwood]

The finished  ship should be displayed in a  museum  with a video  tutorial  of the build  - its that good.

 

OC.

[yvesvidal]

James,

 

congratulations on finishing this kit so quickly. It is amazing and I have come to the conclusion that you do like building rat lines.....

 

Yves

[clearway]

😀😀😀

[AlanDavison]

Wonderfull build, wonderful kit. All we need now are some flags. Any possibilities, Chris, James?

[Ronald-V]

Wonderful build James, And great design by Chris! Simply lovely!

[chris watton]

1 hour ago, AlanDavison said:

Wonderfull build, wonderful kit. All we need now are some flags. Any possibilities, Chris, James?

It is something I shall look at in the future, I need to find someone that can print in good definition and appropriate materials, yet be cheap enough not to add too much to overall kit cost.

 

Regarding the stand (two in each of my kits), if I put in enough options to please everyone, there wouldn't be enough room in that cavernous box for the actual kit - and then there would be a few who would still not be happy!