Topic: HMS Kent 1901

[Mark]

This is the Kent in her as launched Victorian colour scheme although she was soon painted over in Grey.

My wife (Moira), may think this as her boat, but I built it and maintain it. 

Mark

[The Unknown Sailor]

Nice one Mark, she comes out as an extremely handsome ship in that Victorian colour scheme.

 I'm thinking of building one myself in the near future...money permitting, that's if the economy doesn't go in the tank first. Do you have any more photos to post? Would love to be able to study some of the detail you put into her.

 How come the misses gets to claim proprietary rights...or is that a dumb question    How long did you spend building her, and also, did you use Deans Marine parts exclusively, or did you mix and match?

Anyway, Thanks for posting this, it gives me more motivation to get my act together and get saving the readies 

Richard

[karlgalster]

Looks like a very good job you have done Mark. What did you use for the rigging as it looks very realistic in the photo.
Robin

[Mark]

The Kent took me about 3 years to build from the Hull which I found in a corner in Greenwhich maritime. I bought some of the smaller parts from Ron and then either sourced or built from scratch the rest out of plastic card or brass. The masts are all soldered brass, the front mast also doubling up as the aerial. The searchlights are all working. for the rigging twine I always use material bought from another supplier famous for their Nelsons navy ships, it does not go hairy or saggy.

Mark

[Mark]

More detail

[Mark]

To give you an idea of how things look under the paint. The Kent Bridge structure is largely built using HO rail as it is a good source or ready solderable girder.

And to answer the question about the misses laying claim to the Kent, just you try putting a finger near her when she is on display!!!!

Mark

[Mark]

And before anyone points it out the super structure above is from HMS Dreadnought, which will be on show at the Ellesmere Port show in March on the Burton & District Club stand.

Mark

[colin]

i know what you mean about getting close to the Kent.... i tyred it at last years Open day at Ron's

a very nice experience...

[The Unknown Sailor]

Thanks for posting those photographs Mark. You really did a wonderful job with this model. It really does wet the appetite.

I note the old sailing ship under construction in the background of one of the photos...what is it? I have an Amati kit of a 74 gun ship of the line - HMS Vanguard, which I plan on turning out as - HMS Bellerophon, (one of the options available to this kit)..."The Billy Ruffian", a ship of the same class as Vanguard. Having read the history of the Bellerophon, I'm smitten: one of those ships in the thick of almost every scrap of that age of sail. From "The Glorious 1st of June", through "The Nile" to "Trafalgar", and finally to end up as the ship Napoleon surrendered to the British on.  A shame that we are not taught about such history in school, but then I doubt Marx and his minnions would approve.

 However, my little dockyard will only accommodate one ship on the slipway at a time.   

Again, thanks for posting these photos, much appreciated.

[The Unknown Sailor]

On looking a little bit more closely, I just realized that the photograph with the partly finished sailing ship, was taken at an exhibition, so you probably won't be able to identify it Mark...sorry about the silly question 

[The Unknown Sailor]

One last question Mark...what's in the engine room?

[Mark]

The Kent is powered by Twin motors of unknown manufacture (I am classed as a tip rat by the misses as I will strip down and use anything).

She is due into dry dock once the Dreadnought ships out for a refit and new speed controllers/mixer, so I can get round Ron's paddling pool at the Open day.

The it will be onto the next project and my Christmas present from the misses - The G3 

Mark