"14 Gun Cutter: GHQ 1/1200" Topic

Hi guys. I recently finished working on GHQ's 1/1200 model of a 14 gun cutter, and wanted to share photos. I like this type of vessel, I guess just because they look so neat.

My understanding is that the cutter grew out of a Dutch design that found wider popularity with other nations' navies, especially the British. The bowsprit was retractable, though I don't know what that process would look like or when it would be employed. Someone here will know better than I do!

More photos here: link

- James

Very nicely done. A great model, paint job and base!

That is a stunning model.

Looks superb, and is even more stunning, given its small size!

Well done.

Fantastic!

Splendid!

As always, another beautiful model James.

Great model and modelling !

Perfect.

Great work.

Gorgeous!

wonderful job my friend!

Stunning work!

Thanks for the kind words guys. I need to get enough models in this class painted up so the poor thing doesn't wind up going head to head with frigates….

Fantastic!

Brilliant, veary crisp. Looking forward to seeing some more small craft

Amazing! Makes me want to get some, although I'm sure I couldn't get them as nice as you!

I'd love to see some sort of step-by-step…

James I hate you :)
Be safe
Rory

Beautiful work!

Superb! only word for her. I really like the sea base, so realistic, any tips? The rigging is also very good, clean and tight. This represents the sort of standard I'm aiming for myself, have you been doing this long?

Great work,
Lee.

Thanks a lot guys.

Grambo, the sea texture base is a metal piece from Langton, so all I've done is paint it. I start with a medium blue-green and dry brush it pretty light, then give it a good coat of darker blue wash, and finally seal with gloss coat.

I've been working on 1/1200 models for a couple of years now, but before that I worked a long while on larger scale models. I gradually worked my way down through the available scales, and eventually discovered there was such a thing as age of sail wargaming. And a very happy discovery it was!

James

I would like to know what paint you use and the color choices. Your paint jobs are vibrant. I looked at your one Anglo Dutch model and want to know how you painted the sides. Is it a light tan with red brown wash? Love to see more of those.

Dan

Dan, glad you like the colors. The hull of this model is painted with Polly Scale's Italian Camo Yellow, and then washed with Citadel Gryphonne Sepia, and then the black is Polly Scale's Engine Black. Sails are Polly Scale French Beige washed with PS Israeli Khaki and highlighted in the creases with PS Dirty White. Reef lines are PS Israeli Khaki undiluted.

As for that Anglo Dutch model, I can't actually remember which specific colors I used for that, but I don't think I used any washes (I would if I were doing it today). I think I used a medium brown base coat and then dry brushed a lighter sandy color for highlights.

Hope that helps!
- James

Very nice, James! Really.
Please may I ask ~ as you've made both the GHQ and the Langton cutter, which model do you prefer? And would your choice be influenced by construction ease, accuracy, finish or looks?
(I realise that a direct comparison is perhaps a little tricky, as the Langton model has the photo-etched brass sails, and the GHQ model has white metal ones)
Thanks in advance.
Tassie

Thanks Tassie, I appreciate it.
As for the different manufacturers, I've come to prefer GHQ ships over Langton, though I still like them both a lot. It's true that Langton offers a much bigger selection and allows you to customize the sail settings, and of course they have all the buildings and accessories too. They are also easier to rig because the masts are thicker.
I prefer GHQ because the hulls are much more crisp and accurate. There is more detail that looks better close up. The masts are much more flimsy than I wish they were, and the bowsprits lack detail for reasons I don't understand. But I've found I can work around that easily, adding what I need. I just like the way they look better.
I know this is a matter of some contention though, everyone having their own opinions, and often strongly held ones at that. So all I can say is that such is my preference. As I said, I like both companies' kits a lot, and would not turn my nose up at either. And I always add Langton ratlines and bases to any of the models.

James,
Would you work with GHQ hulls and Langton's masts & sails. Or do they not match?
Be safe
Rory

Hi Rory, that's an experiment that I still have not tried yet. I know other people have done it though. The Langton masts are already on the thick side though, and GHQ hulls a little more petite, so they might not be the best match.

I've used some Langton sails on GHQ hulls and it turned out well. I didn't use anything smaller than a 36-gun GHQ hull, though. I should also mention that I tend to go one sail size smaller…like a 74-gun sized Langton sail set for a 3-decker GHQ hull, or a frigate sail set for a 64-gun hull. Same with the Langton brass ratlines…go one size smaller for the hull size.

Great advice Rob, thank you.