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Enterprize 1774 1:48 scale kit from MD

glennb17

glennb17

Joined
Mar 17, 2021
Messages
442
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278

Location
San Diego, CA
Hi gang,

I took on a real challenge this time. At least for me I'm setting off to build Modelship Dockyard's 1:48 scale kit of HMS Enterprize, launched in 1774. It is a member of the eponymous class of 6th rate frigates with 28 guns. The model is in pear wood with boxwood fittings. Both the wood and the carvings are quite high quality. The pear is a little more beige than what i'm accustomed to, but it is beautiful and, so far, it works beautifully.

I tried to find documentation of this ship or others in its class, but information is thin. There's no AOS book. The NMM only has one image, a side view. Shipyard has a kit of plans which is focused more on rigging but has some cross sections. It also has some nice images of the launches and cutter if you want to go nuts. Zoltan offered me a conversation on documentation and licensing which I haven't taken him up on yet.

Modelship Dockyard went with a David and Goliath figurehead (think Caravaggio). Shipyard illustrates the more common lion, so I'm not sure which is right. And is typical, it can be difficult what distinguish each ship in the class from the other. But the kit calls out 1774 and Enterprize was launched August 1774.

Another multi-year commitment, including all my usual detours and the periodic denunciation of the kit and manufacturer when my model seems to be taking a turn for the worse, and then second looks and deciding it doesn't look bad and I want to get going again. I still have US Brig Syren getting worked on in the background, ready to be planked, so I'm guessing that one will come out periodically as well.

So here we go. Others are posting on this, too, so this won't be a "blind-leading-the-blind" tutorial, just some warts-and-all updates and commentary about the kit itself.
 
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Ok, first off, this thing is going to be HUGE. Check out the jig.
1767450003162.png
1767450043529.png
The jig is 10"x 35". Typically the model itself is shorter than the jig, but the finished model is listed as 37", without the bowsprit. I am going to have to be creative in getting this on my relatively small bench space while I build, shape, and fit frames. I still don't know how I'm going to do it.

I've already started building value for this model with my wife to help her over the threshold of bringing it into the house and displaying it somewhere.

I knew it was big but I really should have laid down a tape measure in a couple of the spots I would want it.

This is important for one key reason. My ultimate ship modelling goal has been to build a 1:48 scale model of HMS Bellona, the famous 3rd rate. I'm going to have to start thinking 1:64 or 1:72 or something, as much as I love having two POF 1:48 models and building a third large one.
 
As for the look of the model, I have really enjoyed all natural finishes so far. I've used some black India ink or key parts, but my last model was not colored in any way and was finished with polymerized linseed oil and beeswax. It really brought out the cherry which is one of the major players in the model.

I plan to go with a natural finish on as much as I can again this time. There are some 3D printed parts, but I'm pretty adept with an airbrush. And since the model is pear wood, I don't have to worry about simulating grain, just the tone. Out of all the 3D parts, only the top of the quarterdeck badge will be difficult to match. Then again, with a 3D model to look at, I might scratch build that part. I'm sure my laser cutter can bang out tons of shingles in a minute.

I say all this because I've come to realize that making stylistic decisions early make the rest of the process easier. Also, I don't see why I would start painting a model made of pear and boxwood.
 
I got started on the stem with the tapered cutwater. This kit is laser cut which is a pain to clean but offers opportunities for joints that might be felted and tarred.I don't think the stem pieces are necessarily this way, but it adds a nice dimension to the assembly and brings out the complex pieces.

Of course I scraped and sanded all the loose ash before I joined the pieces. The browned portion of the burn still gives great grip after the ash and irregular wavy surface from the big, fast CO2 laser cutters are removed.
1767451145569.png
 
Next, I started the keel. Here's where I'm going to run into logistics problems. I have two long, thin panes of tempered glass I use to assemble things that need to be perfectly flat like keels and frames. This keel is the better part of that length.

Since even my largest MDF board coated with sandpaper is not a match for the length of the keel, I am finding that the card scraper is my new best bud.
1767451410248.png
 
dockattner said:
Indeed, she is a beast! But let's not ignore the fact that you have the biggest blue cutting mat ever seen Redface ROTF.
Click to expand...
Yes, unfortunately they don't have the superior (still don't agree) green mats in an 8' form factor. Let's just say I always have the most recent version of the U Line catalog on hand. Packing table items make for good modelling surfaces in my experience.
 
glennb17 said:
Hi gang,

I took on a real challenge this time. At least for me I'm setting off to build Modelship Dockyard's 1:48 scale kit of HMS Enterprize, launched in 1774. It is a member of the eponymous class of 6th rate frigates with 28 guns. The model is in pear wood with boxwood fittings. Both the wood and the carvings are quite high quality. The pear is a little more beige than what i'm accustomed to, but it is beautiful and, so far, it works beautifully.

I tried to find documentation of this ship or others in its class, but information is thin. There's no AOS book. The NMM only has one image, a side view. Shipyard has a kit of plans which is focused more on rigging but has some cross sections. It also has some nice images of the launches and cutter if you want to go nuts. Zoltan offered me a conversation on documentation and licensing which I haven't taken him up on yet.

Modelship Dockyard went with a David and Goliath figurehead (think Caravaggio). Shipyard illustrates the more common lion, so I'm not sure which is right. And is typical, it can be difficult what distinguish each ship in the class from the other. But the kit calls out 1774 and Enterprize was launched August 1774.

Another multi-year commitment, including all my usual detours and the periodic denunciation of the kit and manufacturer when my model seems to be taking a turn for the worse, and then second looks and deciding it doesn't look bad and I want to get going again. I still have US Brig Syren getting worked on in the background, ready to be planked, so I'm guessing that one will come out periodically as well.

So here we go. Others are posting on this, too, so this won't be a "blind-leading-the-blind" tutorial, just some warts-and-all updates and commentary about the kit itself.
Click to expand...
It
glennb17 said:
Another multi-year commitment, including all my usual detours and the periodic denunciation of the kit and manufacturer when my model seems to be taking a turn for the worse, and then second looks and deciding it doesn't look bad and I want to get going again. I
Click to expand...
As do I. A bloody hobby for sure this of ours... .
 
I'll be sitting next to Jeff and I'll bring the popcorn. :)

Does the kit show the taper of the keel fore and aft so each end matches the taper of the knee of the head and the stern post? Just curious.
Thanks

Allan

The kit is so good that this may not be interesting for you, but if you do not already have it and if you think it would be helpful, the original contract for her sister Aurora dated 16 July 1776 can be found on the RMG website. PDF transcription is below. Spelling is as in the contract.

Regarding the keel
KEEL ………… The Keel to be Elm, not more than 4 pieces 13½ ins square in Mids, sided afore 12 ins, & at the aft part of the rabbet of the post 10 ins. The Scarphs 3 ft 8 ins long, tabled one into the other, laid with white Flannel oakum bolted with Six Bolts 1 in diameter. The lips of the said scarphs not to be left more than 3⅞ in thick.

FALSE KEEL… The False Keel to be of one thickness, 4 ins thick, to make the Main & False Keels together 14 1/2 ins below the Rabbit, to give Scarph to the Scarphs of the Main Keel to be laid with Tar & Hair, & sufficiently fastened with Nails & Staples To fill the sides & bottom of the false bottom before it is put under.
 

Attachments

glennb17 said:
As for the look of the model, I have really enjoyed all natural finishes so far...

Also, I don't see why I would start painting a model made of pear and boxwood.
Click to expand...
First off, I'm pulling up a seat. Sounds like a wonderful kit and I look forward to watching your progress!

Second. Totally agree with natural finishes (oils, wax, etc), especially with such wonderful wood like pear and boxwood.
 
AllanKP69 said:
I'll be sitting next to Jeff and I'll bring the popcorn. :)

Does the kit show the taper of the keel fore and aft so each end matches the taper of the knee of the head and the stern post? Just curious.
Thanks

Allan

The kit is so good that this may not be interesting for you, but if you do not already have it and if you think it would be helpful, the original contract for her sister Aurora dated 16 July 1776 can be found on the RMG website. PDF transcription is below. Spelling is as in the contract.

Regarding the keel
KEEL ………… The Keel to be Elm, not more than 4 pieces 13½ ins square in Mids, sided afore 12 ins, & at the aft part of the rabbet of the post 10 ins. The Scarphs 3 ft 8 ins long, tabled one into the other, laid with white Flannel oakum bolted with Six Bolts 1 in diameter. The lips of the said scarphs not to be left more than 3⅞ in thick.

FALSE KEEL… The False Keel to be of one thickness, 4 ins thick, to make the Main & False Keels together 14 1/2 ins below the Rabbit, to give Scarph to the Scarphs of the Main Keel to be laid with Tar & Hair, & sufficiently fastened with Nails & Staples To fill the sides & bottom of the false bottom before it is put under.
Click to expand...
Thanks for this! It's pretty tough finding information for Enterprize other than the side on view from NMM.

As for the taper you mentioned, the kit doesn't call for it as I can tell. Probably a simplification for the kit.
 
BradNSW said:
First off, I'm pulling up a seat. Sounds like a wonderful kit and I look forward to watching your progress!

Second. Totally agree with natural finishes (oils, wax, etc), especially with such wonderful wood like pear and boxwood.
Click to expand...
Thank you, hopefully I will make it worth your time.

As for the finish, I guess I meant that I have a strong preference for the wood finish. I think it really leverages the type and quality of the wood. But I know there are some great models out there that are painted as well. It's obviously all personal preference and what look you are shooting for.

The portrait of the model has plenty of red paint, black wales and cutwater, and painted and guilded decorative features. It might even be fun to guild the head and figure. But, again, I've done all natural wood and liked it. We'll see how I stick to my plan.
 
Thanks Jeff and Glenn :) The more I see of this kit, the more impressed I am.

glennb17 said:
Thanks for this! It's pretty tough finding information for Enterprize other than the side on view from NMM.
Click to expand...
There are ten contemporary plans on the RMG site in low resolution and many of them are on the WikiCommons site in high resolution. The potential problem is that there are two designs, one as she was designed as a war ship and one as a hulked receiving/prison ship where she held captured men pressed into the navy before being assigned to fighting ships. The differences are obvious though so easy to spot..... no masts, no shot lockers, no wheel, a berthing deck in the hold and more on the hulk version. I have no doubt MD used these plans to come up with a very accurate kit, but wonder if they mixed the 1774 version with the 1790 conversion for some parts.
RMG: https://www.rmg.co.uk/collections/objects/search/Enterprize 1774 plans
Wiki: https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Category:Ship_plans_of_the_Royal_Museums_Greenwich Click these for the high res versions. The first drawing, for example, is the hulked version and the last one which I only could find in low res is as a fighting ship. Even so you can see the differences.
Allan
1767883993191.png

Allan

Couple examples
 
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AllanKP69 said:
Thanks Jeff and Glenn :) The more I see of this kit, the more impressed I am.


There are ten contemporary plans on the RMG site in low resolution and many of them are on the WikiCommons site in high resolution. The potential problem is that there are two designs, one as she was designed as a war ship and one as a hulked receiving/prison ship where she held captured men pressed into the navy before being assigned to fighting ships. The differences are obvious though so easy to spot..... no masts, no shot lockers, no wheel, a berthing deck in the hold and more on the hulk version. I have no doubt MD used these plans to come up with a very accurate kit, but wonder if they mixed the 1774 version with the 1790 conversion for some parts.
RMG: https://www.rmg.co.uk/collections/objects/search/Enterprize 1774 plans
Wiki: https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Category:Ship_plans_of_the_Royal_Museums_Greenwich Click these for the high res versions. The first drawing, for example, is the hulked version and the last one which I only could find in low res is as a fighting ship. Even so you can see the differences.
Allan
View attachment 569170

Allan

Couple examples
Click to expand...
from what I can see, they have made this as the warship from looking at the major differences you pointed out. There is no berthing deck in the hold, there is a shot locker and ships wheel. The kit currently has no masting information with it, but they have stated they will be releasing a masting and rigging kit. If you wish, you are welcome to point out any other differences and I'm glad to check the kit. :)
 
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