Caldercraft 1/64 HMS Mars 18 Gun Brig Wooden Kit (9009)

Contact Mail Order Hotline on 01453 825381 or email to enquiries@antics.ltd.uk

Secure Online Ordering.
Free Mainland UK delivery
for orders over £40.00 (more)

> Wooden Ship Kits > Caldercraft Kits

Most wooden boat kits require skill and patience to assemble. The easiest are usually those supplied with either a solid or plastic (ABS) hull so the masts and rig are the hardest part. Harder but the most usual form of construction for the hull is plank on frame and that requires the most patience and skill. Always a great value hobby, some models can literally take months to complete.

Building model ships is an absorbing hobby, but it can be even more enjoyable if the correct tools are used. There are some specific tools necessary to do the job, such as a good hand drill with a selection of miniature drill bits, something in the region of 0.5mm and 2mm as a general rule. Small files and wood rasps are very usefull, not just for cleaning up the decorative fittings, but also taking off any waste wood when releasing frames from laser cut sheets. A small pin hammer is a must, and can be used in conjunction with the Amati pin pusher, this clever little device saves on injured digits by allowing you to guide a tack gently into the frame with precision. Obviously a good selection of modelling knives is crucial, and the Expo metal shaft handles allow for a variety of cutting blades to be fitted, not to mention specialist chisels & gouges. Curved blades are best for making straight cuts, whilst a straight blade allows for intricate cuts. Miniature needle nosed pliers allow for manipulating small fittings as would a good set of tweezers. Vices and clamps are effectively a third hand, and a good magnifyer is also important, preferably one that's suspended on a free standing base. Fortunatly Antics supply a fantastic range of modellers tools from Expo. Some are some very specific tools for period ship building, plank benders for example reduce the risk of frustrating splitting or breaking of the often wafer thin planking strips, and the Amati Loom-a-line is an excellent rigging frame for building vessels with difficult to rig ratlines. see our hints and tips page for more info.

Remember! If on examination you feel you would prefer another model, you are free to return any item for a full refund, providing of course that it hasn't been started.

Caldercraft 1/64 HMS Mars 18 Gun Brig Wooden Kit (9009)
Mars was built in Holland in the late 1770's and commissioned as a Dutch Privateer. She was built with unusually sleek lines and as such she was one of the fastest vessels afloat at the time. She was, however, taken by the 38 gun heavy frigate Artois on 3rd December 1781. Her captor reported that the Mars '…to be quite new and the completest Privateer he ever saw.'

The Mars kit has been designed with the novice / intermediate builder in mind and has an estimated building time of around three months of evening work. This comprehensive kit contains CNC cut walnut throughout. The extensive fittings include 18 Brass 6pdr Guns and 10 Brass swivel guns; black and natural hemp for rigging and all other decorative fittings. The kit is supplied with full size plans, comprehensive instruction manual and drawings.

Scale 1:64, Length: 790mm.
Skill Level 3

Mars was heavily armed for her size. As originally built, she had 18 x 9 pounder cannon and 12 swivel guns. This was changed in 1792 to 18 x 6 pounders and 10 swivel guns, which is also the kit configuration. After she was captured, she was fitted out for Royal Navy Service, presumably for escort and convoy duty. She must have been well liked as she served in the Royal Navy for 18 years after her capture. She was lost on 5th December 1799, when she foundered in a hurricane in the Indian Ocean. The 18 gun brig sloop Mars' dimensions were as follows: 100' 11" long across deck 73' 2 5/8" keel length 30' 4" wide She was 396 tons and carried a compliment of 120 officers and men.

> Wooden Ship Kits > Caldercraft Kits