Alert – American Customs Cutter 1:25 – Wooden Model Kit
The Alert is a highly detailed historical model kit of an American customs cutter on a scale of 1:25. Ships of this type were deployed along the coasts of the United States to track down and pursue smugglers. Accordingly, the cutters were designed for high speed and excellent sailing performance. A large sail area and the distinctive hull made them fast and manoeuvrable patrol vessels.
The large 1:25 scale allows for a particularly fine representation of numerous details. A real eye-catcher is the rotatable carronade on the deck. Together with the extensive rigging, the fittings and the classically constructed wooden hull, this creates an attractive display model for enthusiasts of historic sailing ships.
Classic wooden ship modelling with double planking
The hull is constructed using the traditional frame-building method and is subsequently double-planked. The keel, frames and other components are made from precisely cut plywood. Various wooden strips are used for the planking, supplemented by deck planks and round timber for the masts and spars.
The double planking is particularly useful, as it allows minor irregularities in the first layer of planking to be levelled out before the visible outer planking is fitted. This makes the Alert suitable even for model-makers wishing to gain their first experience with a more challenging historical wooden ship model.
Experience from build reports shows that the kit generally offers good quality materials and components and can be assembled into a very attractive model. As is usual with classic wooden ship kits, however, allowance should be made for fitting, sanding and bending work. Careful and patient work is particularly important when planking the hull.
The comprehensive construction plans provide a good basis for the build. For certain details, however, it is advisable to compare the construction plans and instructions carefully. Model-makers who place particular emphasis on historical accuracy can further enhance the model by adding their own refinements to the rigging and fittings.
The manufacturer’s assessment of the difficulty level is relatively low. Nevertheless, complete beginners to model-making should bear in mind that this is a classic wooden model kit. Some experience in working with wood, mouldings, adhesives and sanding is therefore an advantage.
Fittings and details
The kit contains numerous fittings for the detailed construction of the model. These include, amongst other things, the distinctive carronade, anchor, blocks, rigging and various metal and brass parts.
The large scale allows the deck, rigging and fittings to be depicted particularly effectively. This makes the Alert suitable both for ambitious beginners in historical ship modelling and for experienced modellers who wish to further refine the model.
Contents
-Laser-cut or pre-cut plywood parts for the keel, frames and superstructure
-Wooden strips for the double hull planking
-Material for the deck planking
-Round timber for masts and spires
-Fittings set with metal parts
-Carronade
-Anchor
-Pulleys
-Rigging twine
-Brass etched parts
-Detailed construction plan
-Assembly instructions
Sail set not included – available separately.
Technical specifications
Scale: 1:25
Length: 876 mm
Width: 360 mm
Height: 695 mm
Planking: double