HMS GRIMSBY by Constructo 1:65

[papi_joe]

Hi guys

The GRIMSBY is my first wooden ship model. I bought the kit back in 1989 during my honeymoon. However, it took 25 years before I started building it. At that time (2013), I more or less finished the hull but didn't continue. I've been retired for three months now and am finally getting back to it.

So, the build log begins in 2013. Let's call it Phase 1 (period: November 2013 to May 2014). Phase 2 begins in November 2025.

Before I start the build log, I'd like to say a few words about the real-life ship that inspired the kit. The kit itself contains no information about it.

My research back in 2014 revealed that the Royal Navy never owned a sailing ship called GRIMSBY. All the modelers who have built or are currently building the GRIMSBY have discovered this as well. So, I'm not telling you anything new.

Is the GRIMSBY therefore a fantasy product from the Constructo workshop, Let's say, something like the "Flying Dutchman"?

Well, the answer is NO!

OK, Let's get more specific: Please compare HMS DRUID 1761 with HMS GRIMSBY.
Let's compare the dimensions of the GRIMSBY by Constructo with the dimensions of the DRUID by Unicorn Model:

model	scale	length of hull	Width of hull
GRIMSBY by Constructo	1:65	50 cm x 65 = 32.5 m	12.5 cm x 65 = 8.12 m
DRUID by Unicorn Model	1:50	65 cm x 50 = 32.5 m	16.5 cm x 50 = 8.25 m

I measured the GRIMSBY dimensions against my model. As you see, the length is identical. The width is almost the same; I must have filed a bit too much .

I've made some changes to the kit that I believe are not historically accurate:
- I made the railings out of wood instead of brass.
- I built the stern completely differently.
- I plan to build the bow differently.

Let's start with Phase 1 (period: November 2013 to May 2014):

	I bought the kit in 1989.​ Notice that the GRIMSBY is not a frigate as depicted on the kit box but a (ship rigged) sloop of war. The pictures on the box are the only photographic documentation. Furthermore, there are only three pages of text and two A0 sheets with plans and some detailed drawings. The documentation is nowhere near as good as that of current kits. It's really not suitable for beginners.
	#01 - 11/30/2013 Since the plywood keel was completely bent, I first built a simple jig with gaps for the bulkheads.
	#02 - 11/30/2013 The basic structure is complete.
	#03 - 12/08/2013 I used Styrodur to close the gaps. especially because the hull is only single planked. While filing, I noticed that a bulkhead in the rear area was too wide, resulting in an ugly kink. Bulkhead #7 and #8 were probably swapped. I don't know for sure, though. In any case, it was relatively time-consuming to remove the kink.
	#04 - 01/12/2014 The (single layer) planking was a real challenge. The strips are made of 2mm thick sapeli and are somewhat brittle. The steam iron was my best friend during that time.
	#05 - 02/26/2014 Deck planking is ready. First, I used the strips included in the kit. They were very thin and I didn't like the color. However I didn't like the result. So I installed lime wood strips on top. The anchor winch is already installed in these photos.

Jose

 

[papi_joe]

Continuing with Phase 1 (period: November 2013 to May 2014):

	#06 - 03/23/2014 Added further details. This picture shows the first modification compared to the kit. It concerns the railing on the quarter deck. I made it from wood instead of brass, for historical accuracy. See also small image.

Jose

 

[papi_joe]

End of Phase 1 (period: November 2013 to May 2014):

Stern according to the kit's plan. I colored it for better visibility.	Stern of my model. The ship's name will be added later.	Stern of the HMS DRUID by “Unicorn Model”.	#07 - 05/02/2014 The two main changes compared to the kit: The stern: In my opinion, the design is not appropriate for the selected era (ca. 1760) and especially for this ship type. It's simply too elaborate. Therefore, I decided to completely redesign the stern to transform it into a simpler, puristic look. I simply omitted all the decorations and straightened the windows, leaving only the upper arches. I didn't know the HMS DRUID at that time. I was very surprised when I first saw the model of the HMS Druid. Let me know what your opinion is on this topic.
Railing according to the kit.	Railing on my model	Original plan of HMS DRUID from the National Maritime Museum Greenwich.	The railing on the quarter deck: I've never seen a brass railing in this era and on this type of ship. Therefore, I made it out of wood. Let me know what your opinion is on this topic.

 

[AllanKP69]

The railing on the quarter deck:
I've never seen a brass railing in this era and on this type of ship. Therefore, I made it out of wood.

It is so nice to see the contemporary drawing being used as a reference. You were wise to ignore their use of brass rails as this never happened on English ships of war in the 18th century. Thanks for sharing your photos.
Allan

 

[papi_joe]

Phase 2 begins in November 2025:

	#08 - 11/19/2025 After almost 12 years of inactivity and with the start of my retirement, I decided to continue building again.
	Since the hull was 95% complete, I started with the rigging. I must admit that the many ropes really overwhelmed me. The greater the joy when you succeed. Here are some pictures.