Chris Watton and Vanguard Models news and updates Volume 2

[knightyo]

On 6/27/2024 at 3:19 PM, uss frolick said:

Don't forget to do a Killick, holding the toasted cheese: "Which I'm coming, ain't I?"

I actually have a secret wish for an Aubrey/Maturin set; adding Killick with a coffee pot would be magnificent.   I'm sure Chris wouldn't be able to make a profit on them due to relatively small number of people who would purchase them, but I sure would. Maybe they could be a premium option with an HMS Surprise kit down the road.

 

Alan

[Old Collingwood]

Lets not  foreget  Nelson    a  sculpt  of him  would  be so cool.

 

OC.

[Blue Ensign]

 

 A new Nelson figure has been created by Chris.

 

[chris watton]

In fact I have two Nelson figures, one is yet to be added, though. This was have been available for four years

Edited July 1 by chris watton

[chris watton]

I have been asked about 72nd scale versions of the 3-d printed boats.

 

These are now done (well, almost, 18' cutter has about an hour's printing left), so later I shall have a 24 and 26' launch and an 18' cutter available in 72nd scale.

 

Later this week I shall have print and laser cut files for a 24 foot cutter.

 

ETA - Now in stock:

 

3D-Printed Ship’s Boats – VANGUARD MODELS

Edited July 1 by chris watton

[hollowneck]

47 minutes ago, chris watton said:

I have been asked about 72nd scale versions of the 3-d printed boats.

Investing time and treasure with these 1:72 scale boats is a good move, Chris. As you're aware, there are quite a few kits from other manufacturers in this smaller scale (no names mentioned here) that need "upgrades." I'm almost certain that you'll continue to see orders for 1:72 figures for this same reason. 1:64 is the "sweet spot" for the majority of AOS kit builder/bashers; 1:72 comes in a close second.

Good luck on moving house (and business!) and thank you for still paying close attention to your primary market!

[chris watton]

OK, over this weekend, I shall have three scales for the new 3-d printed 24 foot cutter in stock. 1:72nd, 1:64th (of course..) and 1:48th. Each will come with a fully detailed 3-d printed hull with nice clinker planking and a sheet of 0.8mm pear for the laser cut fore and aft floor, seats, knees and oars.

 

24′ Cutter (full kit – various scales) – VANGUARD MODELS

 

This is not an enlarged file of the 18 foot cutter, but completely new and based off original plans.

Edited July 6 by chris watton

[Blue Ensign]

Nice to see her set up for single banked rowing 👍

 

B.E.

[glbarlow]

I wanted a 1:48 version but unfortunately the postage to the US is near equal to the boat. Guess I’ll have to wait for me to have a larger order to optimize the postage. Still, very nice offering. I’ve never like making ships boats the old way. 

[chris watton]

Damn! That's the trouble with the pre made hulls, they need to be packed well and in a box, otherwise they just won't make it in one piece. Stuff like that is always better if ordered with larger items.

 

But we will look at the postage options, these are always a nightmare and sometimes way over charge. When that is the case, I always refund the difference.

[glbarlow]

I appreciate postage is not within your control. For reference it’s near the same amount as when you mailed me Sphinx a few years ago. Hence waiting for a bigger order.  Adder appeals to me 😊… once my Winchelsea is complete. 

[chris watton]

Just a little update:

 

We now have premium sail sets back in stock for Saucy Jack and Ranger, plus machined walnut blocks (including sister blocks) sets for Speedy.

 

And today, my wife starts working for Vanguard Models full time, my peace is shattered!

Edited Thursday at 10:57 AM by chris watton

[AJohnson]

49 minutes ago, chris watton said:

And today, my wife starts working for vanguard Models full time, my peace is shattered!

Good luck to you Chris 😆  - Seriously, hope the VM team goes from strength to strength.  👍

[hollowneck]

6 hours ago, chris watton said:

And today, my wife starts working for Vanguard Models full time, my peace is shattered!

And now, you'll need to regularly submit mission plans to the Admiralty. Cheers!

[chris watton]

Cheers guys! This does mean that orders will be done a lot quicker, and we will be able to actually build up more stock.

 

Within the next week, I will have completed/finalised the Harpy plan sets (am on the final 4, rigging). There will be 16 x A1 size plan sheets for Harpy, along with the manual. I will start laser cutting the production sheets soon. Once I finished the plans, I shall have one last look at these darned officers/table/chair figures, as they have been revised again, but I don't want to waste time on these until all my work for Harpy is complete.

 

Today, I did think about adding the nice CNC machined blocks as standard for Harpy. However, I backed off, as this would increase the kit price by around £40. So I think having them as an optional extra would be better. I know people moan about the standard blocks, but in all honesty, they are the only viable choice when they have to be bought in the tens of thousands, some in the hundreds of thousands. It takes suppliers time to produce 50 kits worth for just one kit.