Fisherman Fifie "Lady Eleanor"

Fifie Lady Eleanor fishing cutter model kit 1:64

The Fifie was a very attractive and common fishing boat that could be seen in the waters off the east coast of Scotland from around 1850 and was in service for about a century. These very popular and successful vessels were real workhorses for the Scottish fishing communities, particularly in landing herring. In contrast to the Zulu (Vanguard Models kit), the Fifie had a rather traditional layout, without a heavily sloping aft post, and she was almost symmetrical in side view, with a fairly large beam for a relatively short vessel. Fifies were characterised by a double-ended hull with a near-vertical stem and straight keel. Despite their varying overall sizes, the early boats built by their constructors in the coastal areas of the Forth, Fife and the border, with keels of around 27 feet and an overall length of 36 feet, were able to retain these features.

The model was based on two Fifie fishing boats, the restored Reaper in Anstruther and the smaller Swan of Shetland. Both ships offer sailing trips along the British coast, even as far as Scandinavia.

The model kit is designed to be as accurate as possible for a commercial kit, both in scale and in detail, and has been developed for beginners and advanced model-makers, with some aspects simplified to make construction easier. Experienced model builders can modify the kit as they wish. This kit is an ideal introduction to the world of plank model making (frame on keel), and the hobbyist will gain many valuable experiences from this construction.

The full-colour, step-by-step building instructions for the hull assume that the model-maker is an absolute beginner with little or no prior knowledge (until a translation is available, English instructions will be provided). There are 8 blueprints that contain all the information needed to build the masts, yards and the very simple rigging.

- Laser-cut and engraved materials
- Double-planked hull made of lime and pear wood
- Laser-cut and engraved deck with all nail details
- Etched brass sheet
- Fittings made of wood and metal
- Model stand made of clear acrylic

Technical data:
Scale: 1:64
Length: 380mm
Width: 105 mm
Height: 327 mm