HMS Sphinx 1775 by Blue Ensign - FINISHED - Vanguard Models - 1:64 scale

[Blue Ensign]

HMS Sphinx 1775 Sixth Rate 20 guns ship - 1:64 Scale model from Vanguard.

 

This will be my latest project, a project the size and type of which, only a short while ago, I thought I would not be doing again.

I hadn’t counted on Chris Watton’s ability to beguile me in this late stage of my model building career to return to another 18^th century square rigged naval ship.

 

However, as Jim’s prototype build developed, I thought what a fine Navy board style model this would make given the detail included in the kit, and importantly proper deck beams, and full run decks unimpeded by hull carcase bulkhead structures.

The inclusion of an engraved proper lower deck with hatches and ladderways down to an orlop deck, is a nice touch and opens further opportunities.

 

I will be building this kit as a Navy board style model without masts or rigging, and that way space considerations will not be a big issue.

 

Joseph Marshall paintings of Sphynx / Sphinx held by the Science Museum. (They are available for purchase as prints.)

 

These two perspective paintings by Joseph Marshall commissioned by George 111 will be my inspiration, as was his painting of the cutter Alert for that build.

 

Altho’ delivery is still a week or so away, I am gathering information, and I have some jottings about possible additions/modifications, but I won’t pre-empt the arrival of the kit.

I have also ordered the Lines and Profile plan from the N.M.M. (Ref j4272)

 

Apart from providing additional information, these make very attractive art works to my eye at least, and the framed print will join those of Pegasus and Cheerful on my walls.

 

I have also realised that my copy of The 24-Gun Frigate Pandora (AotS series – by John McKay and Ron Coleman) has much useful information relevant to Sphinx.

 

So, as I continue finger tapping on my desk, in eager anticipation of that large box arriving, I will entertain myself poring over the pdf of the voluminous build manual.

 

B.E.

11/08/2021

 

[gjdale]

Can’t wait to see your interpretation of Chris’s design B.E. I’m sure it will be something special, so I’ve pulled up a front row seat to follow along.

[James H]

Definitely following this 🍿

[MEDDO]

Looking forward to this build

[WestPort]

Was happy to hear that you would be taking on this model and will definitely be following this build.  Like many other members, your Pegasus build has been an invaluable source of information and inspiration for my own build.  I am Looking forward to seeing what you do with the Sphinx.

Edited August 11, 2021 by WestPort

[Thukydides]

Looking forward to seeing this

[CaptnBirdseye]

Now THIS i definitely want to see! 

[BobG]

I'm ready to sit back and enjoy the show!

[dvm27]

Looking forward to your take on this model in Navy Board fashion. The Marshall paintings are very inspirational!

[Neill]

Looking forward to following this.  I will build mine dockyard style as well, again due to display space, and matrimonial harmony.

[JeffT]

Love the Navy Board style. Looking forward to seeing the end result.

[mtaylor]

I'm in also B.E.   I'm thinking the same build style due to space when I do mine.   Meanwhile, until delivery is chill pill time.

[Blue Ensign]

Thanks guys for your support, I do hope I live up to our joint expectations. 🙄

 

@ WestPort – Thank you, glad my Pegasus build has been of use.

 

@ Greg - I will be using your build of Pegasus as an invaluable reference work for my deck plan layout.

 

@ Neill – matrimonial harmony - Good thinking, assists a build no end. 😄

 

@ Mark – I’m looking forward to enhancing the exposed deck beams with carlings, ledges, and knees etc;

 

B.E.

Edited August 12, 2021 by Blue Ensign

[dunnock]

I'm going to be following too and can only echo what West Port said about your Pegasus build

[Blue Ensign]

 

WoW it’s like Pegasus on steroids, 11½ feet longer and 3¼ feet wider at full scale.

Come on Chantelle. 😉

 

B.E.

[Mirabell61]

Wow B.E.

your new project looks very inspiring, it will be a beautiful admirality model indeed...

 

Nils

[DelF]

Very tempted to follow your lead (not for the first time!) and go down the Navy Board route when I get mine. 

[glbarlow]

A great approach to this model BE. I will really enjoy watching it develop, it will be an inspiration. I’d already thought I’d not rig it just because of the size and because so much of the deck detail is lost to view. Are you considering exposed frames?

[Blue Ensign]

Hi Glenn,

I’ve got an A4 sheet of notes to myself of questions and possible mods, but I need to wait until I see the model before I commit to anything.

 

I’m certainly thinking of minimal deck planking and the addition of Lodging knees, Hanging knees, ledges and carlings.

On the hull I’ve mused about the possibility of Open hull framing in the area of the Orlop/ lower deck; the kit does include the Orlop deck and ladderway down from the Lower deck.

 

It’s a very exciting prospect, made more pleasurable by the thought that I don’t have to worry about where to put it, altho’ my younger self would probably have masted and rigged it.

 

 

Regards,

B.E.

[Glenn-UK]

I have started my HMS Sphinx build log as a word document to explain (to myself) how I plan to tackle the various stages.

Edited August 18, 2021 by glennard2523

[Blue Ensign]

I have entertained myself this week building Chuck’s delightful little mini kit of the double Capstan derived from his HMS Winchelsea kit.

3534(3)

At 1:48 scale it won’t unfortunately fit the forthcoming Sphinx build but it will sit in her case as an example of such a device of the mid-18^th century.

 

I am ahead of the game in one respect, I have already made the 22’ Yawl which will also be supplied with the kit.

610(2)

At least one tiny element of the Sphinx build will be rigged.

620(2)

631

I have already decided to have only the Pinnace displayed on the hull so the Yawl too will sit within the case of the completed Sphinx.

 

B.E.

20/08/2021

 

 

 

[Jasseji]

1 hour ago, Blue Ensign said:

I have entertained myself this week building Chuck’s delightful little mini kit of the double Capstan derived from his HMS Winchelsea kit.

 

3534(3)

At 1:48 scale it won’t unfortunately fit the forthcoming Sphinx build but it will sit in her case as an example of such a device of the mid-18^th century.

 

I am ahead of the game in one respect, I have already made the 22’ Yawl which will also be supplied with the kit.

610(2)

At least one tiny element of the Sphinx build will be rigged.

 

620(2)

631

I have already decided to have only the Pinnace displayed on the hull so the Yawl too will sit within the case of the completed Sphinx.

 

B.E.

20/08/2021

 

 

 

Following too, nice idea.

 

Also, i have started with a Pinnace from Chris and my plan was exactly to have her rigged.

 

What sources did you use for the Yawl rigging ?

[GrandpaPhil]

Very cool!

[Blue Ensign]

Thank you Jacek,

 

I used the AotS series book The 24-gun Frigate  Pandora which gives details of the ships boats rigging. In addition to the Yawl a rigged Pinnace is also shown.

I also used Steel's references for the rigging of ships boats for the mast dimensions etc.

 

You will find details of my builds of small boats under the kit build logs 1751-1800 section.  (Ships Boats, Page 9, of the log index.) The Yawl build follows on from the Cutter build.

 

Regards,

 

B.E.

 

 

[Jasseji]

1 hour ago, Blue Ensign said:

Thank you Jacek,

 

I used the AotS series book The 24-gun Frigate  Pandora which gives details of the ships boats rigging. In addition to the Yawl a rigged Pinnace is also shown.

I also used Steel's references for the rigging of ships boats for the mast dimensions etc.

 

You will find details of my builds of small boats under the kit build logs 1751-1800 section.  (Ships Boats, Page 9, of the log index.) The Yawl build follows on from the Cutter build.

 

Regards,

 

B.E.

 

 

huh, i read the Pandora AOTS some time ago but never noticed that part, thx for pointing it out 

[Beef Wellington]

I'm sure you'll do Chris' kit proud BE...and I also suspect that there will be a number of further enhancements so I'll strap in for the ride.

[Blue Ensign]

Not as many as with Pegasus I hope, this is a very fine offering from Chris. 🙂

 

Thanks Jason.

 

B.E.

[BobG]

10 hours ago, Blue Ensign said:

I also used Steel's references for the rigging of ships boats for the mast dimensions etc.

What is the full name of this book, BE?

[TBlack]

9 minutes ago, BobG said:

What is the full name of this book, BE?

Steel's Elements of Mastmaking, Sailmaking, and Rigging. You can get a copy for $188.

Edited August 20, 2021 by TBlack

[Gregory]

30 minutes ago, TBlack said:

You can get a copy for $188.

If you Google the title, you can get it for at least half that..

 

Here is one at Abe Books for $95 shipped..

 

If you don't have to hold a book in your hand, here is a free E-book ..   The Elements and Practice of Rigging And Seamanship, It is apparently in the public domain.

 

There is also a free  "Steels Art of Rigging"  in the NRG resources..

Edited August 20, 2021 by Gregory