Re discovery of the HMS Resolute

[Peso Pete]

Hi all,
Decided after a long hot summer to build another model. After reading several books*, I decided I wanted to build the HMS Resolute.(1850)
Originally built as Ptarmigan, she was purchased and renamed Resolute by the British Admiralty and converted to an Artic exploration ship in 1852. Trapped in the ice, she was abandoned by her crew as lost. However, the pack ice drifted her to open water where she was found by whalers. Ultimately returned to England, she served for several more years. When she was scrapped, some of her timber were used to build the "The Resolute Desk", which to this day( as a gift from Queen Victoria to the US, resides in the Oval office of our Whitehouse today.
Unfortunately, ( and surprisingly) there are no model kits for the Resolute that I could find.
So-o-o-o, I went seeking an alternative approach. After researching the ship vintage and type, ( an 1800's merchant Bark); I went "dumpster diving" on EBAY.
I found partial kits of the type I wanted, and several used ones. ( three masted merchant hull ). I'll reveal in later posts which ship I chose as the base.
I'm waiting for stuff to arrive........more to come!

*"Resolute", by Martin W. Sandler and "Fatal Passage" by Ken McGoogan

 

[Graham]

This is going to be interesting.

 

[Kurt Konrath]

Well when your done, you can make a scale desk to add to display base to replicate the desk in Oval Office!

 

[AllanKP69]

I imagine there are not kits because of the lack of contemporary drawings. The only one I could find is the inboard profile which you probably already have. If not it is in low resolution on the RMG Collections website, but you can order a copy in high resolution from them for a reasonable fee. Good luck with your build!
Allan

 

[Peso Pete]

Thanks Allan, I did find those drawings and more online. Part of my collected research so far.

Kurt, that desk would a real challenge. .....and Graham...my thoughts exactly

 

[Peso Pete]

Ok, a bit more challenging than I anticipated, however...forging ahead: I picked up an approximate 1/87 scale model of the Charles W Morgan in an open box kit.( many parts missing and solid carved hull)
Had a few parts and supplies left over from my last build. In actuality the Morgan and the Resolute were similar, with the Resolute being a few feet longer(115 v 113) and both being mid 1800 merchant hull Barks. ( Note: I am fast realizing that at my age and dexterity, I need to build on a larger scale.) However, using what historical references I could find, roughed out hull colors and deck layout. ( took a lot of poetic license here).

 

[Peso Pete]

Finally done. (I'm running out of display room.)
I've been fascinated by the Franklin Expedition mystery since I read my first book (The Terror) and built the OcCre model. The Resolute was only one of many ships sent to search for Franklin. The Fury, wrecked by storm and ice , Endeavor, Hecla and others. Over 50 expeditions went in search of Franklin. The story is still shrouded in mystery with only theories based on scant evidence. I'm on my fourth book, "The Arctic Grail" by Pierre Berton.

 

[Peso Pete]

Thanks all for the likes, I think I'll work on the larger scale models from now on. Much to difficult at my age to do the teeny tiny work. I also just completed a Chinese kit of the Harvey just prior to completing the Resolute. Definitely my last small project. The kit was a bit challenging(quality) and required the addition of other parts and accessories.