Bow detail of Sovereign of the Seas -modified with additional carvings and painting.
Some 38 years ago I came across this vintage Airfix kit which I discovered as a youth in 1963, but didn't begin to assess the model until 1981...waiting 18 years to challenge myself to research, study and ultimately alter the model to historical standards; both in build and rig.
Over the years many American shipmodel enthusiasts coveted this particular kit to boast their personal skill of 'finish'. But for me, the decorations didn't impress me as much as the accuracy of design and deck layout. Also to be considered in this modification was designing and engineering, proper mast height, sails and the rigging systems carried on this particular ship of that period.
This was the kit I acquired in 1981, but lost in my relocation to New England -only to get it back again in 2018 upon my returning to New York.
The consideration to change the appearance of the kit would be a challenge; but because of my professional skill(s) as both artist-craftsman, the opportunity was there to give this the best presentation possible to make this a museum quality piece.
As I studied the contents, much of it I discarded -or rather trashed...I kept only the hull and tops which I would later alter by adding wooden rails. The hull would carry wood channels for the lanyards and shrouds. Basswood gunport lids and custom birch wood cannon would compliment the broadsides...and the remaining upper deck guns I shaped to fit the exposed decking. For contrast to make the model elegant, I chose to paint the interior Italian Red -using similar color for gun carriages and bulkheads. The plastic decks were replaced with carefully inscribed cherry decking -varnished.
Drawing of Royal Sovereign by Willem van de Velde The Elder. This was one of
several references used for my kit modification of the Airfix Classic 'Special Edition'.
After removing and cleaning the hull, I lightly (and carefully) sanded it for better paint adhesion The second phase of the build was to mark where the interior wood supports went for taking in the pedestal pins.
The wood supports are now contouured with the hull and placed where the markings are, followed by small wood strips that will eventually support the interior deck system. It will feature the port and starboard run-out cannons.
Fast forwarding, paint (without primer) has been applied using my own blend of custom colors. After thorough drying, I slowly pencil on the planking and trunnel nails. The rails at the topsides can be seen modified...being true to the ship' configurations.
The next phase of the process is to mask the painted areas and spray-coat with acrylic, followed by a light and swift brushing of stain. My arsenal comprises of vintage stains that are no longer available. However, it's best to investigate what stains are good against plastic before working. Stain gives the appearance of real wood...Notice that the hull halves are clamped. This process remains until the interior guns are installed.
In the above images I show the (before and after) customized wood guns -replacing the manufactured plastic ones. And using the reference illustration by noted artist Bjorn Landstrom I was able to scale the cannon in proper proportion to fit the gunports...Notice the unpainted beakhead in the top image; that entire area will be modified throughout using the references I acquired in 1981 -thanks to the support of regional businessmen/women.
Here, the cannons are installed below deck in the areas that will be most effective to the viewer. This type of presentation has been the basis of why these ships are highly favored by collectors...whether scratchbuilt or kit. As my daughter would state: "Dad, your models are so real in miniature. It seems as if you took the actual ship and shrunk it!"
There are many renditions and interpretations regarding the SOVEREIGN's beakhead; and to that end I humble myself because I weren't 'there'. However, to make a fair assessment, I evaluated four notable sources and found they all had the same scale balance which included the Airfix kit...Using those findings I drilled and carved away excess plastic from the figurehead -separating the horses' legs and adding the raised arm of Edgar the Peaceful as he rides down seven enemy kings. Other additional carvings were added to the modification.
Frontal view of SOVEREIGN's forecastle which I researched and modified. To make the model interesting I decided to remove the door and replace it with a hinged (ring handle) wooden one. The next process was to have this door open so the viewer could look in at the stepped foremast and mounted gun carriages on either side....The interior beakhead was also changed to accommodate the correct belay pins for those lines running from the sprit and foresail systems. No lines ever went to the forecastle rails because cannon shot would have destroyed the rigging...putting it mildly.
We now are viewing the underbody detailing of the beakhead...Instead of discarding the plastic grating, I kept it as an anchor to secure and keep the hull halves together. Small holes were carefully drilled into punctured areas to give the appearance of grating. This open grating also served to assist running gammoning lines around the bowsprit; and for the foresail tacks to their respective belay points. The painting system was quite tedious when applying the 18 carat goldleaf.
The next part of the build focused on the quarter and stern gallery details. While studying other modelers who built this classic kit, I wanted to take a different approach. One of them was enhancing the galleries by cutting out the styrene windows and adding clear templar. The carvings also had to be added and/or modified...Once those details were finished I applied the goldleaf and finished the remaining areas of the topsides with both modification and painting.
After carefully examining the painted decorations about the hull; and looking for visible scratches below the waterline, I went on to custom build the boats. The scale of my paper crew figure dictated a different scale of boat, both in depth and width from what the kit provided...Seating was too thin -and for legs to reach flooring the interior had to be deeper. The entire boat was constructed in pine and basswoods...The mast which I'm holding was crafted from birch.
Airfix, in my humble opinion, did a great job producing the hull; so much that I've considered taking another SOVEREIGN kit (which I acquired from England)t and converting it into the PRINCE ROYAL of 1610. In the meantime, I found the rudder to be somewhat small in comparison to drawings and existing kits. To this end I partially removed the stern stem, replacing it with basswood so that when making the rudder out of the same product, it would hold perfectly when glued...The lion's head tiller wasn't a kit feature, so that also had to be added.
Fast forwarding...these two views show the main deck configurations of the SOVEREIGN. With research and study I learned that large fighting ships of this period did, in fact, carry spar decks (as shown). This feature was added to carry spars and/or yards to replace those lost in battle and/or storms. From the notes of British naval architect Percival Marshall its stated that SOVEREIGN carried two boats in the waist and a third (long boat) was dispatched at the stern in tow which acted as a tender...Not featured, as yet; but the second boat will be inboard above the one on deck.
A portside overview of SOVEREIGN's complete deck layout after viewing and revising many questionable details. The arrangement of these features center around the rigging and the functionality of such in real time with real crew. Also, on previous models I haven't seen the many tackle systems this ship provided during her history as a 'protector'. To accommodate my findings, this is probably the 'best' layout seen anywhere on a global scale.
Part two of this four segmented series will soon follow in a few days...and maybe a better understanding of how patience and persistence can bring out the best in those willing to push the envelope.
I respect many builders out there, whether hobbyist and/or professional. ..However, when new discoveries are made known it is to a higher degree that we embrace those discoveries without argument or bias. For queries regarding my line of work email: Caseships@yahoo.com or visit my Linkedin profile at https://www.linkedin.com/in/rexstewart. Custom commission and restoration work: 774-757-7137 https://youtube.com/c/RexStewartoriginals
A special note:
Some of you have kits that you want to enjoy...not having the time (or being delayed) to build them. In my line of experience, I can modify your kit(s) to be historically accurate with fine detail -and can safely package and ship your gem globally. The contact information is above.
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