Sometimes I really do feel like an overgrown child

As I've posted recently, the Dockyard has taken on something of a fascination with models, mostly due to the great response recieved from Mini-HORNET, our 1:12 scale mock up of the ship.  As we continue to explore options to get models of HORNET commercially available, we're running the gammut of great model companies - many of which I've built kits from in my youth, or dabbled in turning to in adulthood.

Yesterday I had a great conversation with Philip Roberts, the owner of Steel, Chapman & Hutchinson LTD.   SC&H is a company that specializes in large scale radio controlled sailing ships - which definately falls into the 'dabbled as an adult' category; I've probably been debating on how to work one of those models into my pasttimes for years now.  These models, which are not cheap, are nevertheless durable, easy to build, fun to sail and absolutely gorgeous.  For between roughly $3,000 to $5,000, any person can become captain of their own miniature square rigger.

The company currently has three kits available - HMS Surprise of Master and Commander fame, a Cruizer-class British brig and the famous American 1812 privateer Prince deNeufchatel.  Though each is stunning in their own right, the Cruizer class is interesting in that both HMS Peacock and HMS Penguin - the ships that Hornet engaged and sank in the War of 1812 - were both of this class.  Even Hornet's sister Wasp captured HMS Frolic, yet another.  My question for Mr. Roberts was simple - is there any way that our attention to the reconstruction of the real ship, and the likely public attention that goes with it, be of sufficient benefit to facilitate production of a 1:24 scale R/C Hornet model?  Her principal opponents are already built!  What an awesome display that would make, a 1:24 scale game of Hornet vs Peacock, 200 years later - what fun!

Ideas like these are all part of our buildup to the real ship - not only models, but working with producers of nautical replicas of all sorts to re-create 1812 pieces that can be marketed as part of the upcoming bicentennial.  From replicas of the Congressional Gold Medals to the cutlasses, swords and muskets that were onboard - to Hornet herself.  These efforts provide a fun and productive buildup that will help us build anticipation of the full-size replica ship to come.

We have more to discuss with Mr. Roberts, but for now, go check out the Steel, Chapman & Hutchinson ships at their website - http://www.modelsailingships.com/

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