H.M.S. Beagle was built as a brig for the Royal Navy in 1820. She weighed 235 tons and measured a little over 90 feet in length. Between 1825 and 1838 the Beagle was used as a survey vessel to chart the coasts of South America, Australia, and South Africa. But it is the voyages under the command of Captain R. Fitzroy between 1831 and 1836 with Charles Darwin aboard as a naturalist that have made the Beagle so well known.
Prior to setting out on her five year voyage with Darwin, a mizzen mast was added to make her more maneuverable in the shallow coastal waters she was about to explore. On this trip, the Beagle spent many months in the waters surrounding the Galapagos Islands off the coast of Ecuador.
It was during this period that Darwin made his observations concerning subtle environmentally induced differences between various species of animals which contributed to their competitive dominance. From these observations he developed his theory concerning the survival of the fittest which is now known as the theory of evolution.
For new or limited experience wood modelers,
we strongly recommend the technique book
Ship Modeling Simplified.
Please note: The manufacturer of this wood kit is based in Spain.
Although complete plans and instructions are included, the limited English instructions
provided require critical thinking and some modification as needed.
This is not a build by numbers kit, and is not for everyone. Additional technique books, and or
access to the advice of an experienced wood modeler or wood model club is
recommended.
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