Probably the most beautiful wooden model kit of the famed HMS Bounty is the classic 1/60-scale kit from Amati Model. This kit has been around a long time, but it’s popularity has not waned. Here’s a look at the kit, showing why we think so highly of it.

Technically, this small three masted square-rigger is an armed transport, and was purchased by the Royal Navy to acquire breadfruit plants in the Pacific, to be transported to the West Indies. It was during the long uneventful stay in the tropical South Pacific that discipline problems developed, eventually resulting in the famous mutiny against her captain Lieutenant William Bligh.

Probably the most amazing part of the mutiny, however, was the arduous 3,500 nautical mile journey that Bligh and 18 loyal members of the crew made in the ship’s open launch to reach safety.

The ship was originally built as a collier, or coal transport, in 1784, and name the Bethia. The Royal Navy purchase her in 1787, and renamed her Bounty. She was a small ship, but was full-rigged with three square-rigged masts. For the South Pacific voyage, she was equipped with four 4-pdr cannons and ten swivel guns.

You can read more about the background of the ship, its mission, and the events of the mutiny in this Wikipedia entry: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HMS_Bounty

Amati’s kit features a framework of laser-cut parts, which is then double-planked, allowing the builder to create as smooth a hull shape as possible. The first layer is a softer, more flexible wood, which is then smoothed out before the layer of beautiful finishing planks are added.

Beautiful hardwoods are provided for the masts, yards, deck planking and various hull and deck details. Many parts are laser-cut, to aid in simplifying construction. Various other parts included are wood, cast metal, brass, and photo-etched brass. Multiple sizes of rigging cord, and blocks provide good scale accuracy, and the model’s appearance is rounded out by the cast metal figurehead and metal stern gallery details.

Of course, as with any full-rigged ship model kit, the rigging will be a challenge, but the kits plans and instruction will help you make a successful model that you will be proud of.

 

Not a kit for a beginner, as you can see from the fine details of the masts and rigging. But, when you’re ready for the challenge, this a kit that you’ll want to test your mettle on.

Note that the display stand and pedestals show here are not included. However, we carry a variety of ship model display options that will help you show off your model in the perfect fashion.

If we’ve interested you in this lovely museum quality wooden ship model kit, you can get your’s at Ages of Sail here: https://www.agesofsail.com/ecommerce/amati-hmsbounty-am1432.html

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