War of 1812

Vanguard Models Kit of the Grecian Now Available at Ages of Sail!

We’re thrilled to announce that Ages of Sail has just received a fresh shipment of the highly anticipated Vanguard Models kit of the Grecian. Dive into history and craftsmanship as you embark on an incredible journey to recreate the Baltimore privateer schooner that sailed the seas during the War of 1812.

About Baltimore Clippers: Emerging during the late 18th and early 19th centuries, Baltimore Clippers redefined maritime design with their distinct characteristics. They boasted a narrow, rakish hull, graceful sheer lines, and lofty masts adorned with a vast array of sails. These features, combined with their innovative rigging and lightweight construction, allowed them to outpace larger vessels and navigate shallow waters with astonishing ease.

The Baltimore Clipper’s most illustrious period coincided with the War of 1812. Renowned for their ability to outmaneuver and outrun British warships, these clippers became vital assets for American privateers. Their speed allowed them to swiftly close in on merchant vessels and capture them with remarkable efficiency, despite being outgunned. This strategic advantage earned them a place in history as nimble and daring vessels that defied the odds.

Introducing the Vanguard Models’ Grecian Kit: Immerse yourself in the meticulous details of this stunning model kit, designed with historical authenticity and ease of construction in mind. The Grecian kit captures the spirit of a bygone era, bringing to life the iconic two-masted schooner-rigged Baltimore clipper that made waves during a pivotal moment in history.

A World of Features Awaits You: The Grecian is a 1/64-scale wooden model kit measuring just under 35″ long and 22″ high, and is the latest kit to come from kit designer and ship modeler Chris Watton and his company Vanguard Models.

Laser cut and engraved parts in MDF and pear wood.
Laser etched and cut lime wood deck with treenail detail
3 sheets of photo etched brass
High resolution 3D-printed parts.
20ft cutter boat included as 3D-print and wooden parts.
Double planked hull in limewood for first planking and pear wood for second planking.
Walnut dowel for mast, gaff, and boom.
Multiple sizes of both black and natural rigging thread along with all necessary blocks and deadeyes
Comprehensive, full colour instruction manual, along with ELEVEN plan sheets which include all masting and rigging drawings.
Eduard-printed custom waterslide decal for Grecian’s stern, with options for both white and ochre.

Experience the Joy of Ship Modeling: Ages of Sail is your gateway to a world of creativity, learning, and community. As a revered destination for wooden ship model kits, fittings, tools, and accessories, we’re excited to offer you the Vanguard Models kit of the Grecian – a gateway to a captivating world of craftsmanship and history.

Get Yours Today: Don’t miss this opportunity to own a piece of maritime history. Visit our online shop at https://www.agesofsail.com/product/grecian-baltimore-privateer-schooner-1812-vanguard-models-164/ and secure your Vanguard Models kit of the Grecian now. Unveil the magic of ship modeling, and let your journey of creation begin!

A very interesting kit that has been available on the market for quite some time is a wooden model kit that is not really a ship, but an American gunboat from the early 1800s. It is Jeffersonian-era gunboat.

During this time, the United States had limited resources to protect it’s vast coastline, and there was a lot of debate over the necessity and usefulness of a sea-going navy. As war loomed, the country invested in large numbers of gunboats – small war boats that were lightly armed, and could be powered by sail or oar. The boats made for small targets and were extremely maneuverable and could operate in waters too shallow for larger sailing ships.

There were many gunboats built and many designs appeared. Generally, they were shallow draught, had a simple rig, and carried one or two medium-sized carriage guns or carronades. Unique innovations appeared, with some mounting two guns facing opposite directions on a single circular turntable, so that after one cannon fired, the whole turntable was rotated to bring the second cannon to bear on the target while the other was reloaded.

One design featured a long and narrow hull with a gun at each end, each on its own pivot mount. The vessel showed a mediterranean influence with the use of a pair of lateen sails, each on separate masts. This particular design became the subject of Amati’s “Arrow” Gunboat kit. Here we take another look at this popular Amait kit.

Amati’s “Arrow” is a 1:55-scale wooden model kit of one of these gunboat designs. The specific design can be find in the book The History of the American Sailing Navy, by Howard I Chapelle. By the way, though long out of print, this is an interesting book and a good reference, and used copies in good condition can easily be had for about $10.

Amati’s kit measures kit measures about 18.5″ long and features a double-planked hull on a framework of laser-cut bulkheads. Bronzed metal barrels are included for one long gun and one carronade. Printed sailcloth is included for the two lateen sails. Three sheets of plans are included, as is a step-by-step instruction guide. The instruction guide is printed in Italian, but an insert includes all the text in english.

This kit makes for an interesting build of a unique type of craft that formed an important part of American history. The completed model’s graceful lines are certain to draw attention. The model is ideal for those who want to build something attractive that doesn’t require as much time as it takes to build a square rigger or any of the larger warships with their rows of gunports and cannons. But, with the large, detailed long gun and carronade in their swivel mounts, it carries just enough armament to make it stand out.

There is enough challenge here, and a surprising amount of rigging for a small vessel with only two lateen sails. This model kit sells for $108.99 and includes a launch ways style base.

Order yours today at Ages of Sail here.

For some interesting info on one of the Jeffersonian gunboats, check out this Wikipedia entry on HMS Ambush here. HMS Ambush was formerly American Gunboat No. 5, captured by the British in 1814 during the Battle of Lake Burgoyne.