Duchess of Kingston 1798 by Glenn-UK - Vanguard Models - 1:64 - Commission Build

[Glenn-UK]

This is the build log for the Vanguard Model Duchess of Kingston. My daughter-in-law as always admired the first Duchess of Kingston model I built and was very pleased when I offered to make one for her.

 

I will be referring to the various build logs for this models, and in particular James and Delf excellent build logs, plus my original build log.

 

A brief history of the Royal Yacht

In the late 18th century, the Royal Yacht was a symbol of wealth and power for the British monarchy. In 1778, a new Royal Yacht was commissioned for the Duchess of Kingston, a prominent figure in British high society. This yacht, also known as the HMY (Her Majesty’s Yacht) Royal Caroline, was a luxurious vessel that reflected the opulence and extravagance of the time.

 

The Duchess of Kingston, Elizabeth Chudleigh, was a controversial figure in British society. She was known for her lavish parties and extravagant lifestyle, and her relationship with King George III’s younger brother, the Duke of Cumberland, caused quite a scandal. As a result, the King himself commissioned the construction of a new Royal Yacht for the Duchess, perhaps as a way to appease her and maintain her loyalty to the monarchy.

 

The 1778 Duchess of Kingston Royal Yacht was designed by renowned shipbuilder John Williams and was built at the Woolwich Dockyard. It was a stunning vessel, measuring 106 feet in length and capable of reaching speeds of up to 10 knots. The yacht had three masts and was adorned with intricate carvings and decorations, including the Duchess’s coat of arms.

 

The interior of the yacht was even more lavish than its exterior. It boasted six cabins, including a grand state room for the Duchess herself. The state room was decorated with silk draperies, gold trimmings, and luxurious furnishings, making it fit for a royal. The other cabins were equally luxurious, with silk-lined walls and plush furnishings.

 

The Duchess of Kingston’s Royal Yacht was not just a means of transportation, but also a place for entertainment and leisure. It had a spacious dining room where the Duchess could host her famous parties and entertain her guests. The yacht also had a music room and a library, showcasing the Duchess’s love for the arts and literature.

 

The yacht was also equipped with the latest technology of the time. It had a state-of-the-art kitchen, a wine cellar, and even a private bathroom for the Duchess, a luxury that was unheard of on most ships at the time. The Duchess also had a personal staff of 26 people to cater to her every need during her voyages.

 

The 1778 Duchess of Kingston Royal Yacht was not just a symbol of luxury and extravagance, but it also served a practical purpose. The Duchess used the yacht to travel to the continent, often to attend grand events and visit her properties. It also served as a means for the Duchess to maintain her status and influence in British society.

 

Unfortunately, the Duchess’s reign as the owner of the Royal Yacht was short-lived. In 1786, she was accused of bigamy and had to flee the country to avoid prosecution. The yacht was seized by the government and eventually sold off. However, its legacy lived on, and it is still remembered as one of the most opulent and extravagant Royal Yachts of its time, a true representation of the lavish lifestyle of the British aristocracy.

[Ronald-V]

You're a cool father-in-law! How cool that you're going to make that for her. Good luck building this ship...again   

[Knocklouder]

In for the journey,  good luck with the build.

Bob  M

[Glenn-UK]

Build Log - Day 1 (24^th Oct 2025)

 

Task 1 – Temporary Cradle

The 4 MDF parts that comprise the temporary cradle were removed from the 3mm MDF sheet, using my trusty craft knife. I did find it beneficial to cut the tabs on both sides of the MDF sheet when removing these parts. Although not strictly necessary for this task I did clean up the tabs, once the parts had been released using a sanding stick, as it is good habit to have for this hobby.

 

The four parts slotted together perfectly with a nice click when they were fully located. It was not necessary to glue these parts in place as the cradle was very solid once assembled.

 

Task 2 – False Keel Main Mast Support

There is a support piece for the main mast to be fitted to the false keel. I referred to the photo in the build manual associated with the build instructions 7 & 8 together with plan sheet 4 to ensure that main mast support was correctly positioned. With the main mast support in place, I applied a diluted PCV solution to the joints. Finally, I used a small piece of 8mm dowel to check it would fully locate and was very pleased it was a perfect fit. There is also two fore mast supports to be glued to the bow support patterns.

 

Task 3 – Removal of Bulkheads

I removed all the bulkheads and all the other parts from the 3mm MDF sheets. The build instructions then recommends to pre fairing some of these bulkheads (1 - 3 and 11 - 13). Before proceeding with this task I did a trial test assembly of the bulkheads with the false keel, along with the inner and outer longitudinal patterns. The main cabin deck was also test fitted along with the bow support and stern patterns (inner, middle and outer).

 

As expected, everything was a perfect fit and I am now ready to move on to the pre fairing of the bulkheads.

 

Photos

Dry fitted hull

Main Cabin Deck Test Fit

Stern inner, middle and outer patterns

Test fit of the bulkhead support spacers

Unfitted MDF parts

[Glenn-UK]

Build Log - Day 2 (27^th Oct 2025)

 

Task 4 – Pre-fairing of bulkheads & support patterns

I made a cardboard template of the main deck which was placed over the frame which gave me a good indication of the camphor required for bulkheads 1-3. I also referred to the photos in DELF and Jim’s build log.

 

After making pencil guidelines I proceeded to add camphor’s to the bulkheads 1-3, 11-13 and support patterns.

 

Task 5 – Foremast support patterns

The two foremast support patterns were glued to the bow support patterns. With the bow support patterns dry fitted I did check that a dummy foremast would locate.

 

I also checked that a dummy mizzen mast would also locate through the upper deck & lower decks.

 

Task 6 – Gluing patterns

With all the bulkheads, longitudinal patterns and bow patterns added to the false keel, taking care that the pre faired bulkheads were all facing the right way, some diluted PCV glue was brushed into all the joints. The hull assembly will now be left for several hours to allow time for the glue to fully cure before I will move onto the next task.

 

Photos

The photo below shows the cardboard template in place and the yellow arrows indicate the fairing points.

The next photo shows the bulkheads and patterns mark up ready for the pre-fairing

And now after the pre-fairing.

The next photo shows the two bow patterns with the foremast support patterns in situ after gluing.

The final photo of this post shows the trial fit of a dummy mizzen mast with the upper and lower decks. The upper deck was aligned with the bulkhead ears but it was not engaged with the locating slots.

 

 

[ccoyle]

I admire your willingness to tackle the same demanding model twice -- personally, I doubt I would have the necessary determination to see the job through to completion. You have a knack for quick work, so I imagine this one will move right along!

[Glenn-UK]

4 hours ago, ccoyle said:

I admire your willingness to tackle the same demanding model twice -- personally, I doubt I would have the necessary determination to see the job through to completion. You have a knack for quick work, so I imagine this one will move right along!

Hi Chris

This has to be one of my favourite models in the Vanguard model range. My daughter-in-law just lives my completed model I am more than happy to go again. I will do my best to go slow and steady and to avoid making to many mistakes on the way. That said I have just had I mishap which should not be an issue. Details will probably be provided in my next post

[Glenn-UK]

Build Log - Day 3 (28^th Oct 2025)

 

Task 5 – Stern Patterns

The inner, middle and outer stern pattern were pushed into place and then diluted pva glue was brushed into all the joints.

 

Task 6 – Deck Supports and Cabin Deck

The rear and mid cabin deck supports were glued in place.

 

With pva glue brushed to the tops of the frame the cabin deck was added. Clamps were used on the outer edges to ensure the deck was in full contact with the frame.

 

The two bulkhead thickening patterns when then glued in place.

 

Task 7 – Fore Deck Installation

I removed the laser char from all the edges and openings on the fore deck.

 

With the deck flexed it was carefully placed over the bulkhead ears and clicked nicely into place. This was not an easy task and unfortunately I did manage to break off both ears on bulkhead 3 when flexing the deck over the bulkheads.

 

I decided to glue the two broken off bulkhead ears to the temporary cross beam and I was able to then glue the ears back in place.  I will have to be extra careful when fairing the hull in that area.

 

Task 6 – Stern Patterns

There are two stern filler patterns per side. With the patterns in place, I marked the pre fair lines. After the chamfering the patterns (using a sanding stick) they were glued in place.

 

Task 8 – Aft Deck Installation

I applied pva glue to the top of the frames and then flexed the aft deck over the bulkheads and I was relieved that it clicked into place. I then pinned the four corners, where there were no locating bulkhead slots, to ensure the aft deck was fully seated on the framework.

 

Task 9 – Miscellaneous Patterns

The following patterns were all glued in place without any issue:

a)      Temporary cross beams

b)      Stern quarter filling

c)      Outer bow patterns

d)      Stern filler patterns

 

The hull is now ready to be faired, once all the glue has been given time to fully cure.

 

Photos

The first photo shows the stern inner, middle and outer pattern in place.

The next two photos show the rear deck and mid cabin deck support patterns.

The next two photos show the cabin deck in situ with clamps.

The next photo shows the bulkhead thickening parts, clamps were used whilst the glue had time to grip.

In the next photo the dummy fore and main masts have been added to check there are no issues with locating them in the support brackets beneath the deck.

The next two photos shows the broken bulkhead ears repair process.

The next two photos show the stern filler pattern pre and post fairing.

The next two photos shows the installation of the aft deck complete with a dummy mizzen mast in place.

The final three photos show the bow, stern quarter and stern filler patterns in place. I have started to fair the stern section.

 

 

[palmerit]

On that last photo you posted, I assume the planks need to curve up and around to the bottom edge of transom? If so, I imagine it's a challenge to get that tight curve right and to then have the planks transition down to the stern post. Are you planning to do shorter lengths of planks? While I have this kit in my stash, I'm waiting to start it until I get through the simpler models I've accumulated (and feel more comfortable to take on the added challenge).

Edited Tuesday at 03:42 PM by palmerit

[Glenn-UK]

2 hours ago, palmerit said:

On that last photo you posted, I assume the planks need to curve up and around to the bottom edge of transom? If so, I imagine it's a challenge to get that tight curve right and to then have the planks transition down to the stern post. Are you planning to do shorter lengths of planks? While I have this kit in my stash, I'm waiting to start it until I get through the simpler models I've accumulated (and feel more comfortable to take on the added challenge).

When looking at the prototype build log and some others there is clear evidence of fractured planks around the transom for the tight curve. I do like using half length planks when there is a double width middle bulkhead. This is not the case with this kit. I could add some addition material to widen the middle bulkhead but at moment I will probably use single length planks for the 1st planking. I can revert to shorter planks, as per DELF build log, for the second planking but I will decide on that when I am ready to add the 2nd planking.

[Glenn-UK]

Build Log - Day 4 & 5 (29^th & 30^th Oct 2025)

 

Task 9 – Faring the hull

The hull was faired. I worked from stern to bow. I used a mixture of sanding sticks and sandpaper for this process. I did use my rotary tool when removing the excess material from the stern quarter sections.

 

As the fairing progressed, I did use planking strips to check how they laid against the various bulkhead.

 

Task 10 – Fitting the Stem Post

The stem post was tested fitted and I was very happy how it looked. Looking further ahead the figurehead has to slide into the top section of the stem post. The figurehead, when test fitted, would not fit. I removed the laser char from the figurehead slot in the stem post, and I sanded a tiny bit from the bottom edge of the figurehead. Once that was done, the figurehead did slide into position.

 

Next I did a quick check that the bulwark patterns would slot in the stem post.

 

Now that I was happy with the stem post fit and that of the figurehead and bulwarks it was glued in place.

 

Task 11 – Fitting The Bulwarks – Part 1

The bulwark patterns were soaked in hot water for 30 minutes and then clamped to a bowl.

 

The clamps were then removed from the patterns after they had been left to fully dry out for 18 hours. However, when the patterns were test fitted, I was not happy how they looked. They were soaked in hot water again and then clamped to a different bowl. Once again I was not happy with the fit around the bow when they were test fitted.

 

I then remembered something in a build log (I can’t remember which one, sorry) that a template was made for this task. I decided this was a great idea and I have proceeded down the same line. Once the template had been made the planks were soaked in hot water and clamped in place.

 

Figured crossed for a better result after then bulwarks have been given time to dry out.

 

There is also a difficulty as the bulwarks really need to be bent in two dimensions around the bow to sit with the top edges of the bulkheads especially from bulkhead 2 to 4.

 

Photos

Faired stern section

Test fit of the stem post

Test fit of the figurehead

Test fit of the bulwark patterns

Stem posted glued and clamped

First bending of the bulwarks

First test fit - it does not look good

Adding a sharper bend

Making a bending template, using the deck sheet as a guide.

The completed template

Check of a bulwark pattern prior to being soaked and clamped to the template.

 

 

Edited 22 hours ago by Glenn-UK

[James H]

On 10/28/2025 at 6:45 PM, Glenn-UK said:

there is clear evidence of fractured planks around the transom for the tight curve

 

That's quite likely! 😆 I think this may have been the first time I did a 'tuck', albeit a shallow one.

[Glenn-UK]

Build Log - Day 6 (31^st Oct 2025)

 

Task 12 – Fitting The Bulwarks – Part 2

Following on from my last post, where the bulwark patterns had been soaked and then clamped to the wooden bending template.

 

When I removed the bulwark patterns from the template after 18 hours, I was really pleased that they were a perfect fit around the bow area. Note to self this is a really good method for ensuring the bulwarks have the correct bend. I might also be able to use the template when bending planks around the bow.

 

I decided there would be enough flexibility in the bulwark patterns to cater the lateral keel to gunwale bow bend.

 

I applied plenty of glue to the bulkheads below deck level and used spots of glue on the bulwark ears above the deck item as these ears will be removed later in the build process.

 

In practical terms I started by gluing and pinning the right-hand bulwark pattern in place from stem post to bulkhead 2. After I had given time for the glue to grip, I then proceeded to work in sections gluing and pinning the bulwark pattern in place moving steadily toward the stern, doing my best to ensure the pattern was aligned with the top edges of the bulkheads.

 

I am really pleased with the result and I will now repeat the process for gluing and pinning the left hand bulwark pattern to the hull.

 

Photos

Right Hand Bulwark Pattern Glued in Placed

The bulwark pattern follows the curved line of the deck around the bow.

The underside seems to be flush with the bulkheads with no kinks

A test plank seems to sit flush with the bulwark

Midships

[Ronald-V]

Always tricky parts those large plywood patterns...but it seems you did a great job with it

[Glenn-UK]

1 minute ago, Ronald-V said:

Always tricky parts those large plywood patterns...but it seems you did a great job with it

Thanks Ronald. I think the key me, for a good fit, was to spend time making the bending template and then gluing the pattern in place in sections.