This is a 1:1200 model from Langton miniatures, with brass sails and shrouds. I replaced the bowsprit with one of my own construction made of brass rods, and rigged it with nylon paintbrush bristles.
Tuesday, May 6, 2014
20 Gun Ketch - Langton 1:1200
Once upon a time the square sailed ketch was a fairly common vessel, and frequently served in military capacities in European navies. The distinguishing feature of a ketch is that it has two masts, and the foremost is the largest. Gradually this type of rig became less popular as brigs (with their larger main mast behind the foremast) became more common. Even then ketches were frequently seen as "bomb" vessels, carrying mortars forward of the main mast. This model however carries no mortars, but rather 20 cannon.
For size comparison, here the ketch can be seen between a six gunner schooner in front and a 32 gun xebec frigate in the back, both also from Langton Miniatures.
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These are incredible. I love seeing these posts. I'd love to see a step-by-step ;)
ReplyDeleteThanks very much Mr. Harold, I'm glad to hear it. I keep meaning to make a step by step tutorial, but never manage to set aside the time. It remains a goal, for what that's worth!
DeleteAgain I must expound on your skill James. This ketch is another example why you are THE 1/1200 scale Master Ship Modeler. No one I've seen does better work. You set the bar high for the rest of us my friend.
ReplyDeleteVol, I'm very flattered, that's kind indeed. I enjoy equally looking at your own beautiful work - so keep 'em coming!
DeleteThanks James. Not much coming out of my shipyard right now due to Springtime Honey Do's. Probably won't get back into full production until next Fall. I'm slowly working on a Davco 36 gun frigate. I have scratch built the masts, spars and sails so far and primed them, plus sculpted the base. I might get to the point of rigging by the end of my next rotation home. Did you by chance see my first attempt at a xebec on my blog? I wasn't very pleased with it but I think I learned a lot.
ReplyDeleteLooks great, love this work!
ReplyDeleteThanks very much Phil, I appreciate it!
Delete- James
Brilliant work indeed. Question remains, how - or rather, what colors do you use to paint the sails?
ReplyDeleteThanks for the kind words Keinutuoli, I'm glad you like the model.
DeleteTo paint the sails, I start out with Polly Scale acrylic "French Beige", and then give it a very light wash of Polly Scale "Israeli Khaki". I paint the reef lines with undiluted Israeli Khaki. Then I paint the creases in the corners, using a burnt umber wash (applied just in very thin lines with a detail brush) for the lows and Polly Scale "DIrty White" for the highs. The latter is just a shade lighter than French Beige.
Hope that helps!
- James
Lovely work indeed - I'm really impressed by the rigging. What are you using to get those thin straight "ropes"?
ReplyDeleteThanks for the kind words Black Powder. The rigging for this model is done entirely with nylon bristles cut from a paintbrush I bought at a hardware store.
DeleteI used to use monofilament nylon thread, but it was more difficult to have to tie all those knots, and very tricky to get the tension right so the masts would not be pulled out of line. The bristles don't add as much strength, but they are much easier to work with.
You've just save me, and a few other naval warfare enthusiasts here in the Stockholm club, a lot of headache - Thanks for this great hobby tip!
DeleteCheers