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

[Rustyj]

1 hour ago, glbarlow said:

Sign me up for the first kit with the CNC block option. No doubt I’m better off having the Vanguard version anyway.

I'll be right behind you on the list!

[Glenn-UK]

3 hours ago, glbarlow said:

Sign me up for the first kit with the CNC block option.  Years ago I would frequently check the Jotika website waiting for the completed prototype and kit ready to sell. Never understood why they left it on the site unfinished (it’s still there). No doubt I’m better off having the Vanguard version anyway.

I predict a riot when this kit is released 

[Gregory]

3 hours ago, glbarlow said:

Sign me up for the first kit with the CNC block option.  Years ago I would frequently check the Jotika website waiting for the completed prototype and kit ready to sell. Never understood why they left it on the site unfinished (it’s still there). No doubt I’m better off having the Vanguard version anyway.

Looking forward to seeing what you do with this kit, Glenn. 

[James H]

Time for an update. I've been away for just over two weeks and since returning, I've fought bad weather (for outside MDF sanding) and my head being crushed (metaphorically) from my new job.

 

Ok, here we go.

 

As the basic hull framing is now complete, it's time to prep it for the flat stuff (bulwarks, planks etc.). For this, I used 120 grit aluminium oxide paper, wrapped over a bit of thin ply. The inner bulwarks are easy to sand flat, with no protrusions etc...just a levelling of the various elements of the frame.

 

Aware that the bulkhead ears are always going to be vulnerable in some modeller's hands, jigs have been supplied that you clip to the protruding ears. These are now clipped to each of those areas. 

 

 

The hull is now faired. To do this, I used a combination of sanding paper, sanding sticks, and a sanding mouse. A strip of lime was used to gauge removal of material. 

 

 

 

 

Before I do anything to the interior, I need to take the inner bow bulwarks and soak these so they can be clamped into the areas to retain their new shapes. These are left for 24hrs to return back to their pre-soak size. Pear does expand a LOT when soaked.

[James H]

And these photo will need no explanation. These were made while waiting for other things to set etc. 

 

 

Until next time.

[Ronald-V]

The "bulkhead ear protection system" has had quite the upgrade I see  those look solid!