Vol. 63, No. 3 autumn 2018 200


window. More likely, there was an elegant looking swan mounted there. Like most models of the era, fi nding visual proof for these artist-inspired details is diffi cult; the plans for Atalanta shown here is unique in this regard as it clearly shows a detailed fi gurehead for the ship. Regardless—and with artistic license—I chose to make the ship’s fi gurehead a swan, despite this modelmaker’s compromise on the stern.


12. All ships of the era had problems with leaky superstructures. Twin chain pump handles shown above are wrapped with grip-enhancing spare rope. T ese dual pumps continuously brought bilge water up to the deck where it washed over and out through scuppers.


T e avian fi gurehead was made from modeling clay and painted using a wash technique to emphasize the wing feathers and head details. It was a slight challenge to avoid making this bird look like a duck, an albino one at that. On a fi rst pass, my swan’s long, graceful neck protruded too much, getting in the way of the bowsprit. On a second pass, it gained a shorter, less than towering, but graceful appearance. However, I reasoned that when I colored Lady Swan pure white, she would look just like one. And, as the saying goes: if it looks like a swan, it must be a swan.


The armaments: Time for royal monograms and tompions


13. A typical North Atlantic crossing from England to the North American Squadron’s station at Halifax took four-to-six weeks. In fair weather, some packet ships could make it in under thirty days.


The figurehead: If it looks like a swan, it must be a swan


On close inspection, the model’s stern shows a prancing Pegasus horse at the apex above a central


Twelve of the fourteen turned-brass cannon supplied in the kit were used: eight, midship cannon at their open gun ports and four additional, under deck ones. To turn the bright, polished brass into (slightly) weathered black iron, I treated them with B/Ox312 Oxidizing Solution from Electrochemical Products. Aſt er experimenting with the right chemical mix and a good soaking, I burnished each one with a cloth, a similar technique used in my previous builds. T is gave the pieces an antique-looking luster that resembled pewter. I also used the kit’s twelve cast swivel guns. Aſt er some minor fi ling, the metal castings were painted with fl at black acrylic.


T e dozen visible cannon carriages were made from Syren Ship Model Company boxwood mini- kits; these are well-designed, laser-cut assemblies. If one follows the company’s complete instructions, these gun carriages become extremely convincing


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