"New Confederate Gunboats" Topic

My latest blog entry showcases two new sets of Confederate gunboats in 1/1200 from Spithead Miniatures:

link

Spithead need pledges of support for these before they can go into production, more details in the blog.

They look amazing and cover some gaps in the market.

I have pledged. His first two sets of models are great.

Al

Sadly, I'd need them in 1/600th scale.

I'm too deeply invested in that scale for this period.

Lovely vessels though.

Eric

They look great David, but sadly I have more than enough in 1/600 already

I also would need them in 1/600 but they are nice looking anyway.

Another plug for 1/600. Those are very nice indeed and would be welcome additions.

I'd also buy them all in 1/600, I really do like the variety that he's got, and the research that went into them.

+1 on 1/600.

What's the name of the boat between the Stonewall Jackson & Defiance?

Looks like "Gov. Moore."

beautiful but, I'm also a 1/600 scale guy.

There's an echo in here at about 1/600 Hz

Is it an echo…. or a ripple? 1/600 please.

OBW

Okay guys you can stop with the 1/600, there is no way I am making anything in this scale, nice though they would look. I am a wargamer with limited space and a low budget so 1/600 is way too big and pricey. My primary purpose for making these models is for myself but if I can make it work I am more than willing to run off copies if enough people are interested.

The masters are clearly done, so I don't think the scale is negotiable anymore… :-)

I personally agree that 1/600 is a better scale for ACW naval, because the ACW vessels and actions tend to be small.

OTOH, I'm currently in the market for oceanic wooden ships of the ironclad period, so I'm looking forward to models like the McRae and the Union gunboats.

I'm especially excited to see pages for Pithead 1/1200 ironclads of other nations, like Britain, France, and the entire fleets of the Battle of Lissa. I registered my interest in acquiring the complete fleets of Lissa.

- Ix

It appears the site (through Pithead) is closed for the holidays….couldn't actually find my way through to the naval section to "sign up".

I like this scale myself.

These are tempting. While I have quite a few 1/600 scale ACW ironclad models in my collection, I have to say I think these smaller ships are a better choice for actual wargaming.

Any plans for the opposing Union forces?

Any plans for the opposing Union forces?

Yes I have big plans for Union naval forces. I intend to make a complete set of models for the Union forces heading down the Mississippi as well as those heading up from the passes. I will also completely cover the Union naval forces at Mobile Bay, Galveston and the North Carolina Sounds.

I probably won't be making ironclads for Charleston or the James river as I am not a fan of Ironclad actions as they lead to dull games.

I have already started work on a set of Ellet rams and some City class gunboats as well as the Union ships that ran past the New Orleans forts. If someone came up with a set of rules for a blockade running game I would also be interested in making models for these as well .

I have a fair number of 1/600…but have decided they are too big for convenient storage/play (look at the size of tables they are used on at conventions). The new 1/1200 have outstanding detail.

However, does the Civil War modeling mean that the War of the Pacific ships are in limbo?

"does the Civil War modeling mean that the War of the Pacific ships are in limbo"

I am afraid so, the Pacific models have been made but I haven't got the enthusiasm to get them finished at present.

Just a word about my motivation for producing this series of 1/1200 models. I run a small part time casting company that makes WW2 models but I have a personal interest in Naval gaming .
I decided to make 1/1200 scale models of obscure naval vessels for my own use and as I own suitable casting equipment I have decided to make copies of these ships available to a small number of interested parties in order to recoup some of my costs .
I notice that a lot of people would like these models made in 1/600 scale which is understandable if that's the scale you collect . However, I'm afraid that I will not be making them in 1/600 for both commercial and personal reasons .
1/600 models look great and are nicely detailed but when you get down to it there are very few Civil War ships that are well documented so most models are made from poor photos , questionable drawings and contemporary descriptions which bear no relationship to the facts so all that extra detailing you can put onto a 1/600 model is pure conjecture .
On the economic side , I think I can cover all my modelling and tooling costs if I can get as few as a dozen people to sign up to one of my 1/1200 projects which means that the models become reality and not just pipedreams .
If I was to go down the 1/600 scale route I might get a few more customers but as the modelling and tooling costs in this scale are nearly four times greater than 1/1200 scale I would either have to charge 4 times as much or get at least 50 people to sign up for an obscure project, so you can see for what I am trying to achieve 1/600 is a not a good scale .
I will continue to make unusual 1/1200 models for my own use and put pictures of them them up on my website for a short period to see if people want to sign up but be aware that none of these projects will come to fruition without the support of 12 good people . If after a short period I cannot summon the minimum number of supporters then I shall assemble and paint my original models after which time I will be unable to make copies from them , also when 12 sets of models have been sold any further production will be discontinued as the soft resin moulds will begin to fail.

"there are very few Civil War ships that are well documented so most models are made from poor photos , questionable drawings and contemporary descriptions which bear no relationship to the facts so all that extra detailing you can put onto a 1/600 model is pure conjecture "

Simply cannot agree with that statement.

I have made 30 civil war models so far and none of them have been well documented . Despite carrying out extensive research most models are speculation based on poor pictures and historical data that conflicts with other sources. Take CSS Manassas as an example . lots of pictures but they are all different . Most people use Skerrets painting as a source but its totally wrong . It shows a single funnel ,the gun looks unworkable and the armour is rolled plate. Most sources suggest she had two funnels so you can rule out over half the pictures as junk . I am yet to see a gun port that makes sense and no early war Louisiana built ironclad used plate armour so you can rule out almost every remaining picture as well. As to CSS Louisiana , I won't even go there

I have made over a hundred models from the ACW and War of 1812 in 1/600, 1/1200, and 1/120 (15mm). Most are well documented over years of research, travel and expense. Sure you are going to have a few problems such as Manassas, that's part of the fun and intrigue. But your blanket statement is just not correct from my experience.
More than adequate sources, both primary and secondary, are available in countless places such as the National Archives, The Mariners' Museum, The Smithsonian, the US Naval Historical Center to name just a few. The research and literature of such notables as Dr. William Still, Donald Canney, Paul Silverstone, Bob Holcomb, Robert MacBride and William Geohagen are superlative. The many plans drawn by Geohagen and David Meagher are excellent. And granted, some photographic analysis training is a plus. The written words of builders, officers, crew and other observers is invaluable to help settle disputes and inconsistencies.
It's out there. You just have to be patient, be discerning in your judgements and explain problems to your customers when 'things' are at odds with multiple sources.
Toby Barrett
Thoroughbred Figures

I take your point, If I had been making US sloops, river gunboats, Monitors or some of the well known Confederate ironclads I would have had much better sources. Most of the models I have made so far have never been made by anyone before so its not been easy. I must admit I have had more fun doing the research than actually creating the models and there are a lot of helpful people out who will generously share their knowlege with you for which I am very grateful.

I just placed an order for the first "fleet" of Confederate ships and posted support for the upcoming relapses.

I am pleased to announce to registered supporters of these projects that the models will go into production later next month . Sales will be initially be limited to subscribers only . The new sets involve producing over twice as many metal parts as the previous set so will be sold at £40.00 GBP per set. I have also posted several other new Confederate start up projects on my website. Suitable Union warships will begin to be made once these initial projects have been completed.

link

I am pleased to announce to registered supporters…

What exactly is a "registered supporter". Based on a post here on TMP I left a message on your website that I was interested in further releases but I didn't see any way to "register" on your website. :-/

"Registered Supporters" . I have a list of 12 people who have written to me and said they would like to buy the next two sets of models. You are one of the people on that list.

Thanks, Wargamer6! I actually just got your shipping notification email on my order with your note regarding the next two batches of ships.

I personally agree that 1/600 is a better scale for ACW naval, because the ACW vessels and actions tend to be small.

These releases have me thinking about doing the Battle of Forts Jackson and St. Philips. This scenario would involve 20+ ships (including several big sloops) on the union side alone. While it would look magnificent played out in 1/600 scale, I really think 1/1200 would be more manageable (and more affordable).

I have already started work on a set of Ellet rams and some City class gunboats as well as the Union ships that ran past the New Orleans forts.

I'll be looking foreword to your future releases. I'm particularly interested in the bigger union ships involved in this action.

These releases have me thinking about doing the Battle of Forts Jackson and St. Philips. This scenario would involve 20+ ships (including several big sloops) on the union side alone. While it would look magnificent played out in 1/600 scale, I really think 1/1200 would be more manageable (and more affordable).

Agreed, big sprawling battles full of large ships are excellent applications for 1/1200 miniatures. I want to play some "what if" battles between the USN and French navies in the 1860s, so I decided to use 1/1200 as well. Unfortunately, that also means scratch-building a few ironclads that are only available in 1/600 or 1/1000 (e.g. USS Dictator), but sometimes conversions to cover niche topics is part of the fun of miniatures….

- Ix

The Hollins Island Number 10 fleet models are now ready and I will be taking orders from supporting customers for these this week . There are also several pictures of new prototype sets of models on the site requiring support .

link