Scale reproduction of the famous British tea clipper that seriously challenged the beauty and speed of the Cutty Sark in the great tea races of the mid 1800’s.
Her greatest rival, the "Cutty Sark" only ever beat "Thermopylae's" speeds on the return journey to Britain, though this is open to scrutiny, as they were never actually raced at the same time and under the same conditions
Specifications:
Scale 1:124
Length 575mm
Planking: Double
The Thermopylae was an extreme composite clipper ship built in 1868 by Walter Hood & Co of Aberdeen to the design of Bernard Weymouth of London for the White Star Line of Aberdeen.
Thermopylae measured 212'0" x 36'0" x 20'9". She was rigged with royal sails, single topgallant and double top-sails.
Thermopylae was designed for the China tea trade, and set speed records on her maiden voyage to Melbourne - 63 days, still the fastest trip under sail. In 1872 she raced the clipper Cutty Sark from Shanghai back to London and won by seven days after Cutty Sark lost her rudder. In 1895 she was sold to Portugal and used as a naval training ship. The Portuguese Navy torpedoed her at sea in 1906.
The Sergal Kit of the Thermopylae Features: A double plank on frame hull construction, building plans with general details, English instructions, lost wax brass castings, walnut OR lime planking, wooden masts and spars, brass and walnut fittings, laser etched detailing, rigging cord and silk flag. All sheet ply sections are laser cut for accuracy.
Specifications:
Scale 1:124
Length 575mm
Planking: Double
