Chris Watton and Vanguard Models news and updates Volume 2

[chris watton]

2 hours ago, hollowneck said:

It's true: Surprise has gone from clunky to amazing. Chris' hat size has increased by threefold over the last few months.😂

Not all all!  In fact, I am always filled with self doubt, wondering if I have done the right thing/gone too far and wondering if each new release will sell. I don't take anything for granted. I just strive to do my best, utilising the knowledge I have accumulated over the decades, and designing the kits in a way that if I were buying it, I would be more than happy with it. The only issue for me is the fact that these complex kits take a very long time to produce due to the sheer amount of cut/engraved parts. But if people enjoy the kits, for me, it is all worth it, as a kit should be a joy to build, not a chore.

1 hour ago, Vane said:

We shouldnt judge a 20 year old project too harsh. During the 90s, Caldercraft pushed the bounderies much and was one of the few companies that actually developed new kits. However, its a pity that most old classic manufactureers of shipmodels live on very old kits and have completely stopped making new kits. That is why we all also appreciate and follow Chris and Vanguard models. 20 new kits in just a few years and constantly new designs and solutions. Many was quite disappointed when the Surprise was never released. But now we can look forward to a kit that will soon be out on the market and way better than a kit what was designed 20 years ago.     

I don't really know much about this Surprise. My time there seems like many lifetimes ago, and that Surprise is well after my time there. (I was there from 1994 until late 2001, with the Nelson's Navy range starting in 1998 with Diana). 

 

Surprise is definitely the largest kit I can do that has no planking at all from the top of the main wale position up, above this, everything is laser cut/engraved - no cutting out the gun ports.  For this kit, I have had to order some very expensive pear sheets, 0.8x150x800mm, for the inner and outer bulwarks. As there are no fenders, the parts are full length as there is nothing along the sides to break this up.

 

I think I have another 2 months’ work on Surprise (CAD plans etc. plus I am still waiting for a couple of final things like stern lantern and Aubrey and Maturin) and in the meantime, start production and after this, make a start on Agamemnon, a subject I always meant to revisit and do it full justice. (I hope)
 

[alde]

First, this model is absolutely beautiful and I can't wait to have one.

 

After reading through several Vangaurd kit build logs and reading some of the instructions available on the website and following this thread, Surprise looks like although a challenge would not be out of reach for someone with a couple of kits built. I currently have HMS Sphinx on my shelf. I'll take that on after I finish Syren and before Surprise. It's amazing how taking on new challenges builds the confidence to take on more difficult kits.