HMS Surprise 1796 (prototype) by James H - Vanguard Models - 1:64

[James H]

1: 64 HMS Surprise prototype build - Vanguard Models

Before we can tuck into a plate of 'eggs 'n bacon' next year, we have the not very small matter of HMS Surprise to attend to. We believe this kit will make many, many folk very happy indeed! There's been so much interest in this that it was about time we saw it released in typical VM style. This is the build which will feature in the instruction manual and here you'll see mostly images that will appear there, plus maybe a few other less polished photos which show the clutter that I really surround myself in!

 

Here's an in-progress profile that Chris is currently working on, of Surprise. This will feature in the plans, along with a whole ton of extra folding paper for you to study.

 

 

This extremely heavy box arrived about an hour ago. This isn't the complete kit either, but there are two sets of everything to build the hull up to and including planking. Chris has used an Indy box to ship this in, so those of you who've built Indy, will recognise this behemoth of a packing box. So far weighing in at around 12kg.

 

A statement? A fact?

Definitely one of those.

 

I'll shortly be digging through all of the contents and doing a few iPhone photos for this build log.

...coming very soon 🤪

 

 

 

[Ronald-V]

Will be nice to see this one come alive!

Edited 14 hours ago by Ronald-V

[James H]

1 minute ago, Ronald-V said:

Will be fun to see this one come alive!

I'm just this minute sifting through the sheets and splitting off the duplicates. 

 

Surprise will be just beautiful. The etched gun deck gives a good idea of relatively narrow she was. 

[limsm2]

The photos will be up soon, right? How long do I have to wait? I can’t wait to see them.🥰

[RVB]

Me Neither!!!!

[RVB]

I can’t wait to follow the complete build. May your waters be calm

 and sailing fast!!!!

 Best RVB

 

[James H]

Ok, here are the parts sheets. I've not gone to town on these too much as they won't be used in the manual. These are just to satisfy everyone's curiosity. 

 

[James H]

 

I've not photographed the planks or dowels. You'll all know what those will look like. 😉

[chris watton]

Jim hasn't got all the parts yet, as I am yet to complete designs for the upper works (inner bulkheads etc.). I asked my wife to add all the furniture, so Jim can see what will work best, there will be some laser cut parts for these too, like on Indy.

[glbarlow]

Been waiting for this ever since Caldercraft showed a prototype they never finished years and years ago. Let’s go! 
 

Hoping that’s a spare rudder and stem another something made from two layers?  Those gun carriage sure make use of available space:-)

[Freebird]

James, beautiful ship! Just one question - what's the length of the hull without the bowsprit? TIA!

 

Best Regards .... Rick