Billing Boats 1/50 Scale Henriette Marie Model Kit
Known as one of the swift 'Swallows of the Channel', Henriette Marie was a fast and highly manoeuvrable French pilot cutter operating from Le Havre during the 19th century. Billing Boats recreates this characterful working vessel at 1/50 scale, with a traditional wooden hull, distinctive cutter rig and a finished size of approximately 42cm long.
ABOUT THE KIT:
This Billing Boats kit depicts Henriette Marie, the first known pilot cutter from Le Havre. Built in 1847, the original vessel remained in pilot service until 1890 and was operated by a remarkably small crew of just two men and a ship's boy.
The model is constructed around a wooden hull and recreates the elegant lines and substantial sailing rig that gave these pilot cutters their impressive speed and manoeuvrability. At 1/50 scale, the completed model measures approximately 420mm long, 100mm wide and 440mm high.
Billing Boats rates Henriette Marie as an Advanced Beginner kit, making it a good choice for modellers who have gained some experience with simpler wooden boats and are ready to progress to a more involved sailing vessel.
FEATURES:
- Detailed 1/50 scale model of the Henriette Marie pilot cutter
- Traditional wooden hull construction
- Distinctive single-masted cutter rig
- Detailed deck fittings
- Rigging and sail plan
- Compact finished length of approximately 420mm
- Plans and assembly instructions included
- Suitable for advanced beginner wooden ship modellers
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Scale: 1/50
- Length: 420mm
- Width: 100mm
- Height: 440mm
- Hull: Wooden
- Difficulty Level: Advanced Beginner
HISTORY:
Henriette Marie was built in 1847 and is recorded by Billing Boats as the first known pilot cutter from the French port of Le Havre. She served as a pilot vessel until 1890.
Pilot cutters had an important job, carrying maritime pilots out to approaching vessels so that an experienced local navigator could guide them safely into harbour. Speed and manoeuvrability were therefore essential, allowing the cutters to reach incoming ships quickly and operate effectively in the challenging waters of the English Channel.
Henriette Marie was crewed by just two men and a ship's boy. Despite this small complement, she was noted for being both fast and extremely manoeuvrable.
Vessels of this type became known as the 'Swallows of the Channel', a nickname inspired by their lively performance and distinctive appearance, including their black hulls and white flags.
PLEASE NOTE:
Paint, glue and modelling tools are required to complete this kit and are not included.
OPTIONAL EXTRAS. NOT INCLUDED. AVAILABLE SEPARATELY.
Model Makers Glue Pack (MMGP) Contains:
- Deluxe Materials Speed Bond 112g
- Deluxe Materials Roket Max Thick Cyano (Super glue)
Hobbies Planking Tool Set (HOB24) Contains:
- Plank Bending Tool with Blade.
- 2 x 50mm Nylon Grip Clamps.
- 2 x 75mm Nylon Grip Clamps.
- Pen Grip Pin Pusher.
- Brass Pins for Pin Pusher (Pack of 100).
