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HMS Surprise 1:48th scale by Artesania Latina

Today installed the deck, was not sure first if i would first sand the bow and rear, but it seems to come out ok - made a copy of the deck layout so that I can later plank it over if i am not happy with the result, we'll see once it is varnished
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Started sanding the bow part, seems quite round by now.

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Bob Ellis said:
If you compare the side gallery roofs with a free download from the NMM draft, AL haven't got the shape correct, it's too 'domed'. Also the scalloped roof covering is too heavy. I would have to bash these, they are too obvious to the eye. Without the roof covering the shape might look a bit nearer to how it should be? I'd like to hear your conclusion on this when it comes to that part of the build.
Chris Watton got it right (of course) The Chinese kits have done pretty well. Why can't AL get it accurate? At over a thousand pounds I'd expect perfection.
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It's hard to pinpoint what the production was really based on. Personally, i would have made gallery more massive. Fortunately, there's a way to compare it, both to Allan plan and to the film prop. Vanguard models aft gallery is much better adapted.

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FreebirdChris said:
Thx Bob, I'll keep this one in mind when i get to that part.
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You are welcome, it is my pleasure to help. There are also drawings signed by John Marshall of her deck plans that you may find helpful in comparing with AL's version (which hopefully are the same) RMG is a great source of both design and as-built plans for thousands of ships, including captures like the French ship Unité which was renamed Surprise. If there is any doubt that this was a French capture. not an English built ship, the shape of the body plan above is a dead giveaway. :)
Allan

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I once bought the plans for the shtandart, the tsar's yacht from the RMG, they are superb. Checked out the site found the quarter and forecastle plan and the lines and profiles but i did not find the one above for the original l'unité - I also keep the belle poule from ancre near as that one is also an original french vessel that ended up in english service.
 
FreebirdChris said:
I once bought the plans for the shtandart, the tsar's yacht from the RMG, they are superb. Checked out the site found the quarter and forecastle plan and the lines and profiles but i did not find the one above for the original l'unité - I also keep the belle poule from ancre near as that one is also an original french vessel that ended up in english service.
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Curious what you're writing. At the time of AL publication, i was certain they were releasing a french version of L'unite instead of Surprise. So muchso that, i specifically mentioned to a friend that it would definitely be l'unite model.
It's hard to say to what extent British adapted this rigging after taking over the ship, but modeling it to La Belle Poule could be a great solution. I'd love to see how you handle this ship on Ancre plans, as i'm currently in the process of building La Belle Poule also myself.
 
Chris,
Did the French deck pattern usually have a two butt shift pattern like in your model instead of the stronger and more common three or four butt shift like the British? In looking at photos and video, I was really "surprised" the Rose (AKA Surprise replica) decking has no discernable butt shift pattern at all so is of no help.
Thanks
Allan
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kuba91nt said:
Curious what you're writing. At the time of AL publication, i was certain they were releasing a french version of L'unite instead of Surprise. So muchso that, i specifically mentioned to a friend that it would definitely be l'unite model.
It's hard to say to what extent British adapted this rigging after taking over the ship, but modeling it to La Belle Poule could be a great solution. I'd love to see how you handle this ship on Ancre plans, as i'm currently in the process of building La Belle Poule also myself.
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Hi Kuba, the belle poule you are building is the old one I believe, the plans i have is for the french napoleonic frigate that was captured by the british https://everything.explained.today/French_frigate_Belle_Poule_(1766)/ . It was my first one i bought from Ancre, ages ago.

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AllanKP69 said:
As long as they have a market for their kits as they are, why would they invest their own company money in making them high quality?
Allan
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They do give good service and up to now i always like building their ships, most model kits are not always super accurate that is true, but they are great in getting people interested in the hobby .
 
FreebirdChris said:
Hi Kuba, the belle poule you are building is the old one I believe, the plans i have is for the french napoleonic frigate that was captured by the british https://everything.explained.today/French_frigate_Belle_Poule_(1766)/ . It was my first one i bought from Ancre, ages ago.

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We're talking about exact same ship, in a somewhat unusual 1/64 scale. Rigging on this frigate is incredible. It's a great base for comparison to other vessels.
 
AllanKP69 said:
As long as they have a market for their kits as they are, why would they invest their own company money in making them high quality?
Allan
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No Allen, this is their all new kit.
With their new kits being made in China, and the replacement of the old poor quality Surprise this new one is supposed to be a prestige offering!? They've obviously put a lot of money and effort into it but just don't seem to be able to pin it? They've tried....and failed!
 
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