HMS Speedy 1782 – Vanguard Models

Speedy – New, upgraded version (2023)

This is the new and fully updated version of the Speedy model, featuring new laser-cut parts, an expanded instruction manual (with 19 additional pages), and plan sheets 1–4.
The key elements of the hull structure have been redesigned to ensure the model meets the latest standards of quality and detail offered by Vanguard Models.

Dimensions of the assembled model:

• Length: 700 mm (27.5″)
• Width: 230 mm (9.0″)
• Height: 492 mm (19.4″)

Model w skali 1:64 został gruntownie zbadany i opracowany tak, by odwzorować wygląd jednostki około 1800/01 roku, gdy dowodził nią Thomas Cochrane.

For modelers who like to add their own details:

The set also includes the lower deck, positioned at the correct height relative to the main deck and stepped toward the stern.
The model has more frames (a ribbed construction) than standard kits of this size, allowing for sleek, realistic hull lines during planking.

Features of the new set (2023):

✅ 16 sheets of laser-cut materials, including a laser-engraved and laser-cut deck
✅ Laser-engraved details for all sections above the main deck
✅ 3 photo-etched brass sheets
✅ Self-adhesive copper tape for replicating the hull plating below the waterline
✅ Double-planked hull: first layer in lime wood, second layer in pear wood
✅ Walnut dowels for masts and yards
✅ 10 different rigging thread thicknesses in black and natural colors
✅ 14 3D-printed guns (4-pounders) + 20 rotating broadside guns (half-pounders)
✅ Lord Cochrane figure in 1:64 scale (3D printed)
✅ 79-page full-color instruction manual + 10 sheets of plans 50×70 cm
✅ Two stands: one working stand (for building), the other made of transparent plastic for display
✅ Miniature 18′ Cutter lifeboat set, to scale
✅ All other materials and accessories needed to build the model in the version shown

Instrukcja online – Instrukcja Speedy

Note – copper:

Due to global shortages of 0.1 mm copper sheets, the manufacturer is unable to use traditional photo-etched copper plates.
Instead, the set includes a large amount of self-adhesive copper tape, 6 mm wide.
Simply peel off the backing paper and apply the tape as straight as possible. It’s easy to use and, importantly, can be easily removed and corrected if you make a mistake.

Speedy – the ship’s history

This small brig sloop was part of the first generation of modern naval brigs. Its shape was a hybrid of a sleek cutter and a brig, giving it an exceptionally graceful silhouette. For its class, it was a relatively small vessel, but it made up for its lack of size and firepower with character.

Speedy had a very active combat history – it was captured by French frigates in 1794 and then recaptured in March of the following year. After Cochrane lost the ship in a battle he had no chance of winning, Speedy was renamed Saint Pierre and presented to the Pope by Napoleon himself.

It was while commanding Speedy that Cochrane won fame. It was his first independent command, and the combination of his aggressive style of warfare and Speedy’s agility made the ship a scourge of the French and Spanish fleets.

Kulminacyjnym momentem było zdobycie hiszpańskiej fregaty Gamo uzbrojonej w 32 działa (o kadłubie i takielunku typu dżonka/xebec). Cochrane led 48 of his men (almost his entire crew) in a boarding action and captured a ship carrying more than 300 Spanish sailors.