Kingfisher 1770 1:48 POF [COMPLETED BUILD]

[serikoff]

At first I did not understand why it was not painted inside... and then as I understand it))) Cool! The idea with sand is very interesting.

 

[ConsNZ]

Without intending to proselytize...

Nearly 2000 years ago the cross (a symbol of the crucifixion, shame, and death) was transformed into a symbol of salvation and hope. To the men and women of faith on our forum who have chosen to put their trust in the one who brought about that transformation: Happy Easter! He is risen!

1 Corinthians 15:12-19

Paul, a Joyous, Happy and safe Easter and Blessings to you and yours.

 

[Herman]

Beautiful stand it will be. And all that with scrap wood.
Happy Easter.

 

[RogerD]

That is a solid and very nice looking base, Paul. Curious about how you are going to position and ……… brace the model?
Regards, Peter

That is going to be a terrific base Paul. I’m also curious about bracing/shoring?

A very happy Easter to you and your family.

 

[dockattner]

That is a solid and very nice looking base, Paul. Curious about how you are going to position and ……… brace the model?
Regards, Peter

That is going to be a terrific base Paul. I’m also curious about bracing/shoring?

A very happy Easter to you and your family.

I have several screws that have previously been holding the keel to my working board. It turns out those screws line up perfectly with the new cribbing (pure luck?) so that will provide the first bit of stabilization. I'll then be adding a row of supporting posts along the ship on the 'frames' side, and a few (less noticeable) supports on the 'finished' side. That work is mostly done... just no pictures yet.

 

[dockattner]

Good morning, everyone, and happy Easter Eve....

Happy Easter, Paul.

Paul, a Joyous, Happy and safe Easter and Blessings to you and yours.

Happy Easter.

A very happy Easter to you and your family.

Thanks for the Easter wishes, friends!

 

[dockattner]

Beautiful stand it will be. And all that with scrap wood.

When he sent those offcuts to me I was sort of annoyed (I paid for the shipping weight all the way from Russia). But what a treasure he included! It was a lesson in wood processing - pieces that look like kindling can be turned into things that are very useful.

I was also working out whether the tools I have in my little shop could process what I would need for a larger project in the future. I have been purchasing dimensional modeling wood (strips and panels) from suppliers thus far, but perhaps that could change. It turns out I might need a planer or a more robust thickness sander (or a friend ) - my hobby-sized machines can only take so much.

 

[Jimsky]

Happy Easter, mon ami!
Wishing you a joyful day filled with peace, love, and maybe a little too much chocolate.
May this season of renewal bring fresh inspiration, warm moments, and plenty of reasons to smile, along with new endeavors to your shipyard. Cheers to springtime blessings and good company!

 

[dockattner]

In January of 1766 the Royal Navy ordered two ships to be built conforming to a new design developed by the Surveyor of the Navy, Sir John Williams. The first of these was launched in November 1767 (Swan) and the second (Kingfisher) was launched in July of 1770 (but not completed until November 1770). As a curiosity many English records show the name of this second ship as Kings Fisher (or Kingsfisher).

Twenty-three more ships were ordered to the same design between 1773 and 1779. You are probably familiar with some of them: Fly, Pegasus, Swift (Vulture, Atalanta, Thorn) as they have appeared on this forum and others as kit or scratch builds.

Swan-class sloops were rated at 14 guns though from the very beginning they were designed with 16 gunports. In time, the additional two guns were added but the nominal rating was left unchanged.

Swan-class sloops were the ‘standard’ ship design of the British Navy during the American Revolutionary War during which eleven of them were lost (including Kingfisher). Surviving vessels went on to serve during the French Revolutionary War and the Napoleonic War.

It is necessary to identify this ship as the Kingfisher 1770 because there are at least 13 additional ships of this name listed in the records of the Royal Navy. There is even a Kingfisher class of ship built during the 20th century.

The Kingfisher 1770 was built by master shipwright Joseph Harris at the Chatham Dockyard, sailed for America in August of 1771, and notably participated in the blockade of Delaware Harbor and the Battle of Turtle Gut Inlet. She was burned by her own crew to avoid capture (by the French) on 7 August 1778 in Narragansett Bay during the Battle of Rhode Island.

Here are her vitals:

• Length: 96 ft 8 ½ in (29.5 m) (gundeck), 78 ft 10 ½ in (24.0 m) (keel)
• Beam: 26 ft 10 in (8.2 m)
• Depth of hold: 12 ft 10 in (3.91 m)
• Tons burthen: 302 bm
• Complement: 125
• Armament: 14x 6 Pound Guns, 16x ½ Pound Swivel Guns

Wikipedia says this: The Swan class sloops were unusually attractive for the type of vessel. Not only did they have sleek hull lines, but they also carried an unusual amount of decoration for their size. They were built just before the Admiralty issued orders that all vessels (especially lesser rates and unrated vessels) should have minimal decoration and carvings to save on costs.

View attachment 348679

View attachment 348680

Attribution: Painting. [Model of HMS] KINGFISHER, Sloop 14 Guns. Model made by Joseph Williams; Painting by Josh Marshall - 1775. Oil on panel in gilt frame. Perspective paintings at 45 degree angle from Navy Board original plans. Commissioned by King George III as part of a series of paired bow and stern paintings of British warship models, one example of each class of ship in the naval establishment.

Construction will begin in a few weeks. I have been reorganizing my workspace, reading everything I can find on swan class ships, ordering supplies to supplement the build, and adding some needed tools to my workshop.

You are all welcome to pull up a chair and join me on this multi-year project. It's going to be a blast!

About 28 months later...



















Final photos to follow once I can arrange for a professional to present her in her best light...

In the meantime - thanks for watching. I've truly enjoyed this project and I'm a bit sad to see this build of the 1770 Kingfisher come to an end. The real ship was burned by her own crew to avoid capture (by the French) in 1778 - perhaps something representative of the French Navy would be appropriate for my next project ...

Onward!

 

[Jimsky]

This is spot on! I’ll gather my words and share a clearer reflection once the pro photos are in. For now, I’ll just say—she’s wonderfully built and looks amazing from every angle!”

 

[Herman]

Beautifully displayed. Worthy of the beauty of the model itself.
I have enjoyed your build report and admire all your accomplishments.
Looking forward to the final photos and your new project.

 

[Peter Voogt]

About 28 months later...

View attachment 514811

View attachment 514812

View attachment 514813

View attachment 514814

View attachment 514816

View attachment 514817

View attachment 514818

View attachment 514819

View attachment 514820

Final photos to follow once I can arrange for a professional to present her in her best light...

In the meantime - thanks for watching. I've truly enjoyed this project and I'm a bit sad to see this build of the 1770 Kingfisher come to an end. The real ship was burned by her own crew to avoid capture (by the French) in 1778 - perhaps something representative of the French Navy would be appropriate for my next project ...

Onward!

That’s looking very very nice, Paul. A real eye catcher to be proud of!
Regards, Peter

 

[AllanKP69]

No words so this.....................

 

[AnobiumPunctatum]

As already written, your model is a model for my project. I hope that one day I will be able to put such a fantastic result on the shelf.

 

[CLB]

Congrats - what a beauty ! So well done - and the stand sets it off nicely
Chris

 

[dockattner]

This is spot on! I’ll gather my words and share a clearer reflection once the pro photos are in. For now, I’ll just say—she’s wonderfully built and looks amazing from every angle!”

Thanks, Jim! Now I need to find a place to put her!

Beautifully displayed. Worthy of the beauty of the model itself.
I have enjoyed your build report and admire all your accomplishments.
Looking forward to the final photos and your new project.

Thank you, Herman. I had this display in mind for a while - just wasn't sure if it would look OK. I'm satisfied.

That’s looking very very nice, Paul. A real eye catcher to be proud of!
Regards, Peter

Thank you as well, Peter. It feels good when the parts fall into place without a fight.

No words so this.....................

View attachment 514830

Thanks, Allan. No words needed!

As already written, your model is a model for my project. I hope that one day I will be able to put such a fantastic result on the shelf.

Thank you kindly, Christian. I have no doubt you will exceed my build in every way (though I'm not sure what year it will be done ).

Congrats - what a beauty ! So well done - and the stand sets it off nicely
Chris

Thanks, Chris. Looking forward to your new project!

 

[Magic Mike]

Paul, your workmanship, attention to detail and talent has inspired many of us in SOS, and caught the attention of many newcomers to the site. Bravo to you for sharing your talents with all of us. I'm running out to buy more glue for the three models I have in drydock! Magic Mike

 

[Peter Gutterman]

Without intending to proselytize...

Nearly 2000 years ago the cross (a symbol of the crucifixion, shame, and death) was transformed into a symbol of salvation and hope. To the men and women of faith on our forum who have chosen to put their trust in the one who brought about that transformation: Happy Easter! He is risen!

1 Corinthians 15:12-19

For our family Easter dinner, I first read all of John 20. A long wait staring at our plates of food, with remarkably patient four- and nine-year-old boys. Ten people in all.
Not a church going religious family, but everybody appeared patiently ready to hear a message of hope and gratitude. Of a risen Jesus demonstrably flesh and blood, having recently been demonstrably dead.

Happy Easter!

Pete

 

[Peter Gutterman]

When he sent those offcuts to me I was sort of annoyed (I paid for the shipping weight all the way from Russia). But what a treasure he included! It was a lesson in wood processing - pieces that look like kindling can be turned into things that are very useful.

I was also working out whether the tools I have in my little shop could process what I would need for a larger project in the future. I have been purchasing dimensional modeling wood (strips and panels) from suppliers thus far, but perhaps that could change. It turns out I might need a planer or a more robust thickness sander (or a friend ) - my hobby-sized machines can only take so much.

It helps to have a cabinet maker friend of 40 years acquaintance and collaboration. I hope mine never retires!

 

[dockattner]

Paul, your workmanship, attention to detail and talent has inspired many of us in SOS, and caught the attention of many newcomers to the site. Bravo to you for sharing your talents with all of us. I'm running out to buy more glue for the three models I have in drydock! Magic Mike

Thank you, Magic Mike. I'm not sure if you have ever posted on one of my build reports before so I am grateful you chose this time to share your thoughts. It is my privilege to share my work on this wonderful forum. Drydock models deserve some glue - create something wonderful!