Duchess of Kingston by Pitan - Vanguard Models - 1:64

[Pitan]

I was at the Society of Model Shipwrights exhibition in Plymouth last week, stationed next to Chris Watton's stand.
One model, in particular, caught my eye, the "Royal Yacht, Duchess of Kingston – 1778" kit.

The ship was built in an old-fashioned style, early 18C, rather than late 18C, but, for me, this adds to the appeal.

Once home from the show, I placed an order.  It was in the next post and, arrived in my porch on Monday.  A remarkably quick turn around.




The kit is based on plans held at the National Maritime Museum, and it is known that the duchess owned (at least) one yacht.  Soon after the Duke of Kingston's death, she sailed the vessel to Italy, and had it conveyed up the Tiber to Rome (according to the Newgate Calendar https://www.exclassics.com/newgate/ng308.htm).
 

Now, I have a Vanguard Sherbourne, about ready for fitting out - delayed for want of small (< 2mm) blocks, and really shouldn't start another build before that is complete.

Shouldn't?
I have started another build, the Duchess of Kingston's yacht.

Assembly started last night, with me testing the fit of the MDF core, which led to gluing the same.

A bit more work today led to the fitting of a deck (not sure which deck this'd be, with that much space it could be a lounge)

 

I did deviate from Vanguard's instructions, in that they call for bevelling of some bulkheads before adding to the model.  While some doublers at the bow and stern were bevelled before gluing, the bulk heads were delayed until after the ply decks were complete. 

 

And, with all MDF and structural decks fitted.

[Pitan]

A small update.

The bulkheads have received more shaping and the bow core is added.

 

One detail, I made a guard for the figurehead support

 

Made from scrap wood, I hope to reduce the risk of breakages in this area.

[Knocklouder]

Good luck on your journey,  the Duchess of Kingston is a wonderful ship to built, the quality of the material and the great instructions are hands down the best I have ever done. One peice of advice hide the knight figurehead until the last possible  second to install lol 

Pulling up a chair as they say  hope you don't mined    

Bob  M.

 

 

[Pitan]

Thanks Bob
I'll probably leave the knight's head off.

It is known to be fragile, and I can't see a helmet in the RMG drawing (here: https://www.rmg.co.uk/collections/objects/rmgc-object-460861)