I’m setting a placeholder for my HMS Surprise build log having purchased one of the first 100 pre-orders. I don’t have it yet of course, this commits me to posting once I do. One of many no doubt.

I’m sure the instructions have a detailed history I probably don’t need to repeat, some of it I will anyway.

I watched the Jotika, Caldercraft website for years, it had posted a HMS Surprise model promising it would be available soon, then nothing changed, it never happened. So glad Chris and Vanguard Models has finally brought us this kit.

The name HMS Surprise belongs to both a real Royal Navy vessel and one of the most beloved fictional ships in naval literature. It is the fictional one that draws the attention by so many.

The real HMS Surprise began life as the French corvette L’Unité, launched in 1794. She was captured by the Royal Navy in 1796 and commissioned as HMS Surprise. A relatively small frigate of about 24 guns, she served during the wars against Revolutionary and Napoleonic France. Her most famous action came in 1799 when she helped recapture the frigate HMS Hermione. The real from Surprise had a respectable but not extraordinary naval career and was sold out of service in 1802.

In contrast, the fictional HMS Surprise of Patrick O’Brian‘s Aubrey–Maturin series became one of the most celebrated ships in historical fiction, it is this version I’ll build. She is portrayed as a fast, weatherly frigate capable of remarkable feats against larger opponents. O’Brian took the name and some basic historical inspiration from the real vessel but transformed her into a larger and more formidable ship than the historical Surprise. In the novels she becomes a character in her own right.

An interesting footnote is that the ship seen in the film adaptation ‘Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World’ was not the original HMS Surprise of course, but a modern replica originally built as Rose and later renamed Surprise after the movie.

And that’s it for now, I’ll be back later this summer with the start of the build. Meanwhile I’m building (no log though) HM Harpy as a ptactice.

Looking forward to your build, Glenn.

7 hours ago, glbarlow said:

I don’t have it yet of course

In that case, I'd better get myself back into the cave for another rigging session.

i have my own on order, but i will be doing ther CAF La Renommee for a while, or longer, i will be creating a log on her in the next day or so

Welcome to the Surprise party. I will enjoy watching your progress from across the pond.

Glenn-UK

And I yours😊

Pulling up a chair as well! 🙂

I am looking forward to your build. I always learn from your build logs.

Thank everyone! I’ll finish posting Cheerful after I get home. It would take me forever to post Winchelsea. I also have Flirt saved offline. I’m looking forward to starting Surprise, but I may finish at least the hull of Harpy (no log) first, so many options.

Glenn, I'm excited to see your build. I've been waiting anxiously to see this kit hit the build logs and I'm sure yours will be outstanding.

Looking forward to every post!

And another one to follow 😀

Good luck when you get started!

I will follow.

Sjors

It’s here. Found this outside my door.

Very exciting, can't wait to follow your progress on this kit!

Look forward to seeing what you do with Surprise Glenn