The fifth kit in the Victory Models range is the sister ship of HMS Fly, the HMS Pegasus. The kit was developed using copies of original Admiralty plans for Pegasus.
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 seemingly 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 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 HMS Pegasus kit includes all new photo etched parts, (Which include footrope styrups,hammock cranes, oars and other boat fittings, complete stunsail boom fittings, decoration etc), laser cut wooden cannon carriages, (instead of metal) a ship's boat, photo etched copper plates, flag set and very detailed drawings, plans and instructions. The dowel for the masts and yards is now in walnut, instead of ramin, keel and bulkheads are laser cut in 5mm Marine grade plywood. Other parts are laser cut in solid walnut, walnut plywood and 1mm Marine grade ply.
Specifications:
Scale 1:64
Length: 800mm
Height: 600mm
Planking: Double
