British Frigate HMS President Ship Model Kit 1:60

British frigate President ship model kit from Mantua

History of the original:

The frigate, often referred to in model building as ‘HMS President, 1750’, does not correspond to any actual documented Royal Navy ship name for this year of construction. Instead, it represents the type of 24-gun sixth-rate frigate established in 1745, i.e. a light British cruiser as built and used in the mid-18th century. Designers and manufacturers draw on a genuine historical ship type, but use a name that later became famous to make the model recognisable.

This type of ship formed the lower end of the spectrum of British frigate development. It was narrow in design, built for speed and independent voyages, and was used for reconnaissance ahead of the main fleet, to secure trade routes and to intercept enemy privateers. The hull was made of heavy oak, with closely spaced frames, a continuous keel and a cleanly rounded underwater shape. The proportions were typically around 33 metres in length on the gun deck, about 9 metres in width and a moderate draught, which facilitated operations in coastal waters. The length-to-width ratio was designed for fast cruising; the lines allowed for good height to the wind and smooth running even in rough seas.

The armament consisted of 20 nine-pounder guns on the gun deck and 4 light guns on the foremast and aft deck. This artillery was not intended for the line of battle, but was sufficient to defeat enemy privateers, light warships and armed merchant ships. Ammunition, powder magazine and gun operation were strictly organised, as rapid fire and controlled manoeuvring were central requirements for a cruiser of this size.

The rigging corresponded to that of a full-rigged ship of the mid-18th century. Three masts with square sails on the main and foremast and mizzen sails on the mizzenmast enabled high cruising speeds on broad reaches and reliable tacking against the wind. Generous mars and bram ravens, supplementary staysails and neatly distributed tackles ensured sail power and precise handling. The rigging consisted of tarred hemp, the blocks of hardwood; the standing rigging was arranged so that the masts could safely bear the surf load and the pressure conditions of large sail areas.

The deck superstructure was low and functional. Free working space between gun carriages, clear steering positions in the aft deck area and functional accommodation characterised the layout. Crew and officer quarters were cramped but effectively organised. Below deck were provisions, water and magazine facilities, which allowed for longer voyages, as sixth-rates often operated independently of the main fleet.

These ships were considered cruisers, privateers and dispatch boats of the Royal Navy. They combined high speed, strategic range and enough armament to secure trade and colonial routes. In this role, sixth-rates shaped Britain's maritime presence in Europe, the Caribbean and off North America.

Kit description:

The small kit contains exceptionally high-quality components. The frames are perfectly and cleanly cut out by laser. The deck, made of Tanganica plywood, is already laser-engraved to imitate deck planking. The hull is first planked with a layer of lime wood strips, onto which a visible planking of walnut strips is applied. A set of fittings is included with the kit. The cannons are turned from brass, and the figurehead and decorations on the ship are made of cast brass. The metal anchor and anchor chain are already coloured black.

A beautiful model stand is included with the kit.

The sail set is not included. Optionally, the hull can be planked with imitation copper plates instead of a copper finish.

Who is the kit suitable for?

The model is designed for model builders with little or no experience in ship modelling and is ideal as an introduction to the hobby of ship modelling using double planking and frame construction.

What else is needed?

Paints, adhesives and tools are required and are listed under the Accessories tab further down this page.

834011 Set of ready-sewn sails (not included in the kit)

832902 Copper plates (not included in the kit)

What do the building instructions look like?

The multilingual building instructions consist of a colour booklet with 56 pages of explanations and pictures describing the construction process. A large plan with drawings and details supplements the instructions.

The assembly instructions are not available for download.

Technical data:

Scale: 1:60
Overall length: 520 mm
Overall width: 205 mm
Hull length: 350 mm
Hull width: 105 mm
Planking: double