H.M.S. Pegasus was the sixth vessel built of the Swan Class of ship rigged sloop, of which twenty five of the class were built from 1766 to 1780.
Pegasus, as with the entire Swan class was designed by Williams and her construction was ordered by the Admiralty on 1st August 1775 to be built at Sheerness Dockyard. The keel was laid in May 1775 and launched on 27th December 1776.
The Swan class of 6th Rate sloops were unusually attractive for the class of vessel, with not only very sleek hull lines but also the unusual amount of decoration for the size of vessel. They were built just before the Admiralty issued orders that all vessels (especially lesser rates) were to have the minimal amount of decoration and carvings to save any unnecessary costs, due to the ever continuing war with France and other nations.
There is little remaining about H.M.S. Pegasus’ operational career, but from what little evidence there is, Pegasus was commissioned mainly for convoy escort duty and dispatch duty. Pegasus had a very short operation career, foundering off Newfoundland on 31st October 1777, her sister, H.M.S. Fly also foundered off Newfoundland some years later in 1802.
The Swan Class measured 97’ 7” on the gun deck and displaced 300 tons. They carried 125 officers and men and initially carried 14 guns (later 16) and 16 swivel guns.
The original plans of the Pegasus still exist, and it is with these plans the kit is based upon.
The kit includes the following;
Laser cut wooden parts throughout. Many photo etched brass detail sheets that include window frames, deadeye strop/chainplate fittings, footrope stirrups and other fine mast and yard detail, gunport scuttles, hinges – the list is endless.
Full size plans, which include very easy to follow rigging detail.
The copper plates for below the waterline are of a completely new design. They are so accurate that there is a left and right side to the plates, and there are no unseemly over protruding nail heads, everything is scaled at 1:64th.
Accompanying the plans is a fully illustrated building manual, taking you through every stage of the critical hull construction. There is also a full English instruction booklet, describing every detail of each stage of the main construction, along with histories.
(Wooden pedestal and brass columns are not included.)
Scale 1:64, Total Length 31.5", Height 23.6"
Advanced Skill Level.
Please note: The manufacturer of this wood kit is based in Italy.
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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