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 July 25 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.

[Kitzilla]

Just wanted to say I love the models you put out, Chris. I've been eyeing the Vanguard for a while now, but I may have to start a bit smaller and go with the Sphinx. Either way, they both looks like loads of fun to build.

[chris watton]

Just a little update,

 

I have had quite a few enquiries asking if I will ever have the Flirt Master Shipwright in stock. I was going to retire this, as I could no longer get the machined blocks that are standard with this kit.

 

However, I now have really nice CNC machined blocks in stock again, so have ordered enough boxwood and 3mm birch ply to produce a small run of these kits. When I say 'small run., I do mean that, not 'Limited Edition' of 'only' 1000! I will do two runs of 6 kits, 12 in total. The only change I made from the original Master Shipwright Flirt is the 18' cutter, which will be a 3-D printed hull and laser cut boxwood floors, seats and oars.

 

Regarding Harpy, I have completed all of the A1 size plan sets and started the manual. Once Jim has completed the model and I finish the manual, the kit will be released - am thinking October time.

[Nirvana]

I want to build one of the ships so badly, but my current stockpile is my issue.

[AJohnson]

17 minutes ago, Nirvana said:

I want to build one of the ships so badly, but my current stockpile is my issue.

Since when has that stopped us S.A.B.L.E’s (Stock Acquired Beyond Life Expectancy) 🤣 - you know you want to Dr. Per…. 👼

[thibaultron]

The advantage of S.A.B.L.Es are that you have a large selection of subjects to choose your next project from.

[Pitan]

On 8/7/2024 at 6:38 PM, AJohnson said:

Since when has that stopped us S.A.B.L.E’s (Stock Acquired Beyond Life Expectancy) 🤣 - you know you want to Dr. Per…. 👼

Interesting, never heard that one before ... think I'd make a small change, Stable.  Same expantion, but not so black.

[Nirvana]

On 8/7/2024 at 5:26 PM, thibaultron said:

The advantage of S.A.B.L.Es are that you have a large selection of subjects to choose your next project from.

That is so very true.

[Knocklouder]

On 8/7/2024 at 12:38 PM, AJohnson said:

Since when has that stopped us S.A.B.L.E’s (Stock Acquired Beyond Life Expectancy) 🤣 - you know you want to Dr. Per…. 👼

A true shipaholic would risk life and limb, and the rath of the First Mate. Lol like me

 So I bought a Vanguard Model , @Nirvana I won't tempted you by telling you how great they are. The instructions,  quality of material,  looks,   

 All I can  say  is you only live once go for it lol .

Bob M.

[thibaultron]

Just be careful not to buy a model that comes in a box big enough for her to hide the body in!

[DB789]

I was one of those enquiring about a Master Shipwright Flirt, but now have a new Speedy waiting to be built. Much as I love your models Chris, and I’m on my ninth VM kit, even for me building both Speedy and Flirt might be a step too far…  

[chris watton]

OK, I have a small batch of the Master Shipwright Flirt kits back in stock:

 

HMS Flirt – Master Shipwright Edition (2024 Updated Kit to include 3-D Printed Cutter) – VANGUARD MODELS

 

I am told my 3-d printed boat sets will be ready soon, so hopefully, I shall be able to offer full replacement 3-d printed boat sets for Sphinx and Indy, as well and being sold separate. There will be:

 

22 foot cutter

22 foot yawl

26 foot launch (alternative)

28 foot pinnace

32 foot pinnace

[chris watton]

OK, I finally have the officers at table figure set available, after much changing and back and forth, and almost completely giving up on this little project. It is now done, however. I have printed off all 64th sets, and now working on 48th and then 32nd.

 

Officers at Table – VANGUARD MODELS

 

Here are a couple of pics from a set made by Blue Ensign, I sent a pre production set to to gauge feelings towards the set.

 

I have included two standing officers with each set, with each having a different hand/finger position, so you can choose whichever you think is best

 

 

 

 

 

Edited August 20 by chris watton

[AJohnson]

I think they look great and will be a fine addition for any of your models with cabins, a great pleasure for viewers finding partially “hidden” details when looking over a model.  😁

[thibaultron]

Wow, just Wow!

[Ronald-V]

Shouldn't you change that bit there?.....

 

 

No kidding Chris, they look great! 😃

Edited August 21 by Ronald-V