Update on Revell Monogram Bonhomme Richard Build

Here are photos of the old Model Shipways Frigate USS Essex I built a few years ago. And example of what can be done with a decent foundation. I planked the entire solid hull inside and out after hollowing it out. Build most everything else from scratch. The entireodel is only 14" long. I just didn't want to go to this level with such a poor foundation as the Revell Bonhomme Richard.

I primarily wanted to concentrate on the hull. I cut down the bulwarks of the forecastle because the original model had a forecastle deck that was one level too high. I also shortened the quarter deck which allowed me to create a proper poop deck. Lowering the forecastle meant that I had to create an actual gun deck out of scribed sheet and also create a quarter deck out of scribed sheet. I built a galley stove and installed riding bits etc. since I made an actual gun deck, I was able to open up all of the gun ports and install actual guns. I also had to build a lower gun deck for the six 18 pounders in the stern. One of the worst problems was that the model does not have a proper tuck stern or a very pronounced tumblehome. I disguised the stern problem by using styrene strip and there is nothing that can be done about the tumblhome. Am thinking of adding wales and that might give a visual imprsssion of a tumbllhome. The quarter galleries were abysmal. I cut them completely out and built a double gallery with an admirals walk from scratch using HO and N scale model railroad parts. They turned out reasonably well but with the mid-shaped stern, there was not much else I could have done without cutting off the entire rear quarter of the ship. Again, my goal was to simply try to improve the appearance of the model and try to make it more visually in line with Boudriot's drawings. Everything about the Bonhomme Rivhard is conjectural anyway. I am reasonable happy considering what I had to work with.

Going to do basic lifts and braces. Don't plan on doing a ton of running rigging. My main plan was to see if I could get it to look similar to Boudriot's plans and still maintain as much of the original ship model as practical. Was going to rig the shrouds but to save some time, I used the shrouds from the Jolly Roger model because they looked better than the ones supplied in the Bonhomme Richard model.

Nice work! Perhaps I'm one of the few who would like to build this model, though I'd rig the shrouds and ratlines besides removing the sails from the yards, and maybe since it's so inaccurate turn it into a generic "pirate ship" or something like that with a made up name. How far are you planning to go with the running rigging?

Nice build Chris!  Keep up the good work.

Jim 

Beautiful!

Mike