Plans for Ship Modelers
These sets of plans have been drawn up expressly for model makers who wish to build a fully framed model. Drawn at the classic scale of 1:48, the sets consist of a Mylar sheet including sheer and profile, half-breadth and body plan. Accompanying this sheet is a CD-ROM containing patterns for all the floor, futtocks, toptimbers, hawse timbers and transoms. These patterns can be printed out on standard letter sized sheets as needed, using your own printer.
With this set, plus copies of contemporary plans of a Swan or Echo class ship-rigged sloop from the National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, with care and patience the builder can produce a model like the one shown here. The assistance of the National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, is gratefully acknowledged.
As an adjunct, there is complete information on the hulls and fittings of 18th century ship sloops in David Antscherl's two-volume set, The Fully Framed Model, HMN Swan Class Sloops, 1767-1780, published by SeaWatch Books
iThe Swan class of ships was designed by John Williams and approved in 1766.TTheyhwere 97' 6" in length, carried 125 men and were armed with either fourteen or sixteen 6 pdr cannons. From 1794 on 12 pdr carronades were added.c
A total of 25 Swan class vessels were designed and built. "As built" plans for then of them are available from the National Maritime Museum so that a truly unique model may be scratch built.
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The Echo, designed by Edward Hunt, show clear traces of French influence. They were initially rated to carry sixteen 6 pdrs plus four 12 pdr carronades, were 101' 4" in length and carried 125 men. Six of them were built. Their ornamentation was a bit simpler than the Swan class of ships and may be more attractive for those who do not enjoy carving.
More particulars are provided by David Antscherl in his monograph on the Echo class and may be viewed here.
The masting and sparring plan illustrates each mast, yard boom, top etc., on a 24 x 36 inch sheet. The scale is 1:48 and full size dimensions are provided. This plan is suitable for a Swan or Echo class ship as well as any sixth rate. The plan is complete and includes seldom seen details such as the fish davit and fire boom.
