SWAN CLASS MODELS
The Swan class of ships has proved popular among ship modelers. With the advent of David Antscherl's set of plans these ships have become readily accessible for scratch- building ship modelers. Below are examples of several Swan class models. Our featured Swan class model this month is being constructed by William Maxwell. He describes it below.
Pegasus by Greg Herbert
Kingfisher by Harold Hahn
Unidentified Swan class model.
United States Naval Academy Museum
Atalanta by Donald McNarry
Kingfisher by Robert Hunt
Fly by Bill Maxwell
Atalanta by Tom Cummings

The first fully rigged completed Swan class model, incorporating every page of our Fully Framed Model series of books. Tom has made his building log available through our website.  Click here Part OneClick here for Part Two. Please keep in mind all illustrations are the copyright of David Antscherl and Greg Herbert.
HMS Fly, 1776, currently under construction by Bill Maxwell
Swan class ship models
"I started HMS Fly in April 2006 (with a couple of years out for health issues) as my first scratch build ship.  I had 'bashed' the USS Constitution (Model Shipways) kit and wanted to 'learn more'.  Following research on practicums, and plans I picked the Swan series as a good candidate.  I decided that I would build out particularly ever element that was shown in the books, by David Antscherl, on this series.  I obtained all the plans from the Nautical Maritime Museum and decided to show the port side as complete and the starboard as still 'in frame', interior and exterior.  I never planned to rig as I'd done one ship already (a small clipper kit) and always intend to display as a 'Admiralty model'.  The biggest lesson I learned was to stick to the original draught as there were enough differences between ships that one can be led astray by David's excellent drawings, which were not always the same as my draught because of ship variations.  As David advises, stick to the draught.  That said, I found the woodworking to be straight forward (if you buy enough wood and tools), but learned the most in my working of brass to represent 'iron' fittings.  I found this caused the greatest challenges, especially if you're willing to 'rip out' and 'make it right' which I did MANY times.  I'm approaching the dreaded 'carving' stage for the stern and figurehead, and once complete, she will be complete.  So, thank you, David and Greg for leading me to where I am today its been a rewarding 'quest'.... Bill Maxwell.