HMS Harpy 1796 by Glenn-UK – Vanguard Models - 1:64 scale

[Glenn-UK]

Another new dawn and another new Vanguard Model to build, namely the HMS Harpy. I have been looking forward to starting this build since receiving the kit last month but I decided it was better to complete my work on HM Armed Cutter Sherbourne build.

 

I really like the look of the HMS Harpy and have been very impressed with the design work. I hope that my modelling skills will enable me to do justice to this kit, noting there is still many areas for me to work on to get better results.

 

The shipyard has been cleaned, the tools are ready so it is now time for lights, camera and action.

Building The Cradle

As with many of the Vanguard Model kits there is an MDF build cradle to assemble. A clear perspex cradle is also provided to display the completed model.

Using a sharp craft knife the tabs were cut free from the MDF sheet. I like to score to tabs top and bottom as I find this ensures the parts come out clean and minimal work is then required to remove any unwanted tab nubs with a quick rub using a sanding block.

 

After a quick test fit of the component parts some Aliphatic Resin Wood Glue (Deluxe) was added to the locating slots and the cradle was assembled. Although not really necessary for the cradle, but is good practice, the excess wood glue was wiped clean.

 

After a busy morning in the shipyard it is now time for a well earned cup of Yorkshire tea.

 

[dunnock]

Looking forward to following your build Glenn. 

[Knocklouder]

Good luck on your journey 

Bob  M.

[Craigie65]

Looking forward to this build, popcorn at the ready. 🍿

[Glenn-UK]

It is now time to start the Harpy build in earnest. The first task was to remove the bulkheads from the MDF sheets. There are 17 bulkheads in total. There are laser engraved guide lines on bulkheads 1, 2 & 3 which enable these parts to have the initial pre fairing bevelling. I really like this design aspect.

I used a combination of a Ginour rotary tool and sanding stick to bevel these bulkheads to the guide lines. Bulkheads 1 -16 were then inserted into their respective positions on the keel, ensuring they were all fully engaged. As per normal with the Vanguard Model builds no glue is used as this stage.

The keel is very flimsy so thankfully this is soon corrected when the two keel doublers are added. To ensure these keel doublers are correctly aligned they are held in place using a series of locking keys.

The basic hull frames is then strengthen further when the two longitudinal support parts were pushed into place.

 

It was then time to check the installation of the two lower deck bases. No problems were encountered. There are locking keys to hold these deck bases in place, once fitted. However, before that can be done the laser engraved deck patterns need to be glued to the deck bases.

When removing the removing the bulkheads I also removed all the other parts from the MDF sheets which were

a) the various gun port jigs

b) the sail room framework

c) Two stern cabin frameworks.

When test fitting the forward laser engraved deck pattern there seemed to be a slight alignment issue when using pins located in the eyebolt openings. When I positioned the laser engraved deck using the sail room frame, I was much happier with the overall alignment, but I may need to use a micro drill for some of the eyebolts. In the photo below the laser etched deck is only dry fitted as I was checking which rubber bands would be best to hold the deck in place while the glue cures. I also want to check the other items will fit in the various positions before I commit to gluing the parts in place.

When looking at the laser engraved scuttles, I did consider copying Blue Ensign approach to plank the deck base and to add scuttle covers but after a little bit of thought I have decided to just use the laser engraved deck pattern as is. I will plan to follow Blue Ensign idea to fit a printed brick pattern for the stove base area as I think that it really enhances the build. I have also ordered some different hinges and handles from Syren which I will use for all the internal panel doors, as I really liked the ones Blue Ensign has fitted.

Edited yesterday at 06:45 PM by Glenn-UK

[Glenn-UK]

Today's task was to glue the two laser etched patterns to the forward and rear deck bases. This was a task that I took my time, with plenty of dry fitting of items that would be added later on in the build process.

 

I started with the rear deck section. After checking the rear cabin pattern would locate in the slot I brushed plenty of plenty of wood glue on the base and I carefully aligned the laser etched deck pattern and used plenty of clamps. I also made sure once the deck pattern was in place that the rear cabin pattern would still locate in the slot. All was good, as can be seen in the photo below.

Once the clue had cured the clamps were removed and the assembly was added to the hull framework. The deck is held in place with 4 locking keys, as indicated by the blue arrows in the following photo. I was very pleased that everything was a perfect fit and the locking keys were inserted without any issues.

The rear panel was test fitted once again, and all looks good.

Before adding the laser etched deck to the front deck base I wanted to make sure that the various key components would locate in their respective slots. This is shown in the next two photos. All looks good.

It was now a case of brushing plenty of glue to the base and then clamping the laser etched deck in place. I used the sail room framework assembly to ensure the laser etched deck was correctly aligned.

As the glue was curing I made a few more checks that the various deck items would locate fully in their respective slots. By taking my time with the aspect of the build I am very happy that the various deck items could be fitted without any issues.

It was then a case of adding the forward deck assembly to the hull frame work. Once again the locking keys were inserted without any issues. The two cable house sides were also added to the hull frame and were locked in to place using a series of locking keys. The deck items and cabin patterns were test fitted (again). I have also checked the fitting of one of the deck beams and I was pleased that it was a perfect fit.

So far so good and I think taking time to double check the fittings before gluing parts together has certainly paid dividends. There are a few more parts to add before diluted glue will be painted in to the various bulkhead and deck joints.

Edited 1 hour ago by Glenn-UK