Chris Watton and Vanguard Models news and updates Volume 2

[hollowneck]

3 hours ago, robdurant said:

Thanks for the new word, Chris, and all the best with this stunning new model 

Yes - and any vexillologist will know the proper manner to display an ensign on a spontoon.

[Cathead]

17 hours ago, hollowneck said:

Yes - and any vexillologist will know the proper manner to display an ensign on a spontoon.

No going to lie, I initially read that as "spittoon" and did a double-take. Spit-take, even.

[chris watton]

Well, today, we made a huge step (for us) forward.

 

We have been so busy, and right now, I can only run one laser machine at a time, as we have no space for another extractor, which we need to run both simultaneously - so have been drowning under work load, and running out of space for the business. We have totally outgrown the repurposed garage for the workshop.

 

With that in mind, we went to look at some proper business units, and I have just put a deposit down for a nice little unit, over 4 times the space I currently have, which we move into in January. I will be able to run both lasers at full pelt, and have much more space to put stuff!

 

I have added some pics of our modest little new unit – we have an option of having something larger as we grow more.

Realistically, we had little choice, as with Surprise imminent, that’s 18 kits we need to find space for, and a 3-bed house and converted garage can no longer cut it….

Edited Friday at 08:06 PM by chris watton

[woodartist]

looks like a great place to get a lot of work done

[hollowneck]

Great News, Chris. You've taken an important step for the future of Vanguard Models. Hopefully, this business space isn't too far from home.

[scrubbyj427]

Nice!!

 

you can probably acquire another laser now.

[Strand]

I'm happy for you. I'm self-employed myself, so I can empathise with how it feels to take the next big step. And it's a big step from the garage to a proper workshop. Good luck in your new workplace! 

[Mike_H]

That's very exciting! And good news for us as customers and as folk who want to see the hobby prosper. You are going to be very busy preparing to launch Surprise, and then, I imagine, keeping up stock.  Best of luck.

[druxey]

Congratulations and very best wishes, Chris. Nice blank canvas for you fill!

[Ronald-V]

Congratulations! 👏

[mgatrost]

This is great news, Congratulations!

[Craigie65]

Exciting!

I wish you well on the latest stage of your journey.

[Kevin]

is there room for me and two dogs to help you out now

[glbarlow]

Congratulations Chris. Such a big step forward in growing your business. 

[chris watton]

2 hours ago, scrubbyj427 said:

Nice!!

 

you can probably acquire another laser now.

This is the issue I have now - I already have the other laser machine (100w), the problem is that I have no room to run both at the same time, due to not being able to fit in another extractor, which is required to run when the machine is working. Now, I will be able to buy another and finally run both in concert.

[scrubbyj427]

13 minutes ago, chris watton said:

This is the issue I have now - I already have the other laser machine (100w), the problem is that I have no room to run both at the same time, due to not being able to fit in another extractor, which is required to run when the machine is working. Now, I will be able to buy another and finally run both in concert.

Oh I meant three of them😂. At which point a proper smokestack may be a viable option.  

[AJohnson]

Good luck Chris with this new step in the evolution  of Vanguard Models. 👏

[Pitan]

Good luck Chris, I hope the new space works well for you.

[Some Idea]

Congratulations Chris and good luck with the latest venture 

[François de Saint Nazaire]

Bravo.

A big step in your development and good news for us 😉

[GrandpaPhil]

Congratulations!

[ECK]

Excellent News. Just waiting for the moment I can order your next new kit, HMS Surprise with all the bells and whistles !

 

ECK

[KBo]

Amazing development of your business. Well done. 

[aferox]

Great news!  So happy to see your adventure prosper!

[chris watton]

Thank you for all the good wishes, very much appreciated! It is nice knowing that there are no more restrictions to expand.

 

This is where we shall be based:

 

https://maps.app.goo.gl/BAjBq12Xsvdvwee88

 

Edited Sunday at 10:57 AM by chris watton

[Geordie Tyne]

Congratulations on the new premises. 

[Thunder]

On 11/19/2025 at 1:36 AM, Cathead said:

To be fair, those are the people who are retired and now have time to pursue extra hobbies. It's certainly possible younger generations will have different interests, but it's also reasonable to assume that people can develop new interests once they have more time on their hands.

I attended the IPMS model show at Telford this year and last year. Bit disappointing regarding age groups this year but last year was surprised to see many young and ladies at the show. One surprise this year was a new wooden kit ship manufacturer with a USS Constitution. Sailing ships have a very poor turnout at that show with only approximately three built examples.

[James H]

56 minutes ago, Thunder said:

I attended the IPMS model show at Telford this year and last year.

This is the VM plan for next year. Waiting to hear back confirmation.

[Loracs]

@chris watton, Greetings Chris. To start, I want to thank you for your presence here and all your wonderful ship design. As kit manufacturer, you are really raising the bar in quality and materials. Since your old Amati Revenge design, which I built... I'm a fan!

 

I do have a question for you, and it is ok if you don't want to disclose anything at the moment. My current phase in model building is POF. Far more complex (for me), allows to represent the frames and interior fatefully and just look nice. Unfortunately, there is very little option in this area beside scratch built. I see on Chuck's web site that the Ketch Rigged Sloop may be produced by Vanguard Models.  Are you planning the POF version?  Do you have any idea of the potential timeframe?

[chris watton]

27 minutes ago, Loracs said:

@chris watton, Greetings Chris. To start, I want to thank you for your presence here and all your wonderful ship design. As kit manufacturer, you are really raising the bar in quality and materials. Since your old Amati Revenge design, which I built... I'm a fan!

 

I do have a question for you, and it is ok if you don't want to disclose anything at the moment. My current phase in model building is POF. Far more complex (for me), allows to represent the frames and interior fatefully and just look nice. Unfortunately, there is very little option in this area beside scratch built. I see on Chuck's web site that the Ketch Rigged Sloop may be produced by Vanguard Models.  Are you planning the POF version?  Do you have any idea of the potential timeframe?

Speedwell will not change at all from Chuck's designs, I will literally be producing what Chuck designed, with only slots changed to take into account the metric rather than imperial sizes - and materials that I use like pear.