HMS Surprise – 28 Gun Frigate 1794

An exact scale model of the famous 28-gun captured French frigate made legendary through the Patrick O’Brian Aubrey–Maturin novels.

Developed first and foremost to represent the fictional HMS Surprise from the novels, this highly detailed kit has been designed for serious ship modellers seeking accuracy, scale fidelity and an immersive build experience.

Watch a full YouTube review of the kit here: Watch Now.

Kit Features

• Laser cut materials in Pear wood, Lime, MDF and acetate
• Double planked hull in lime wood and Pear wood
• Four scale ship’s boats included with 3D printed hulls
• Multiple photo-etched brass sheets with PE copper plates included as standard
• Fittings in wood, brass and 3D printed resin
• Full colour A4 instruction manual featuring nearly 1000 photographs and line drawings
• 27 A1 sized plan sheets
• Acetate display stand with engraved nameplate
• Full rigging package including dowel, blocks, deadeyes and rigging thread
• Detailed captain’s cabin interior
• Aubrey and Maturin figures included
• Standard configuration includes 24 x 9-pounder long guns
• Optional original armament configuration with 32-pounder carronades
• Waterslide decal sheets including nameplates, depth markings and cannon carriage names
• Two figureheads included for fictional and historical versions
• Two stern configurations with photo-etched stern windows to represent both real and fictional variants

Skill Level – Advanced

HMS Surprise has been developed for experienced ship modellers and is designed to deliver the highest level of accuracy and detail possible within a commercial kit.

This is not recommended as a first ship model. The build is intended for modellers who have already completed multiple ship or boat projects and are confident with advanced construction and rigging techniques.

Every stage of the kit has been designed to be as logical, rewarding and immersive as possible, while still demanding patience, precision and a strong eye for detail.