Swan Sloop to Generic Brig Conversion

**Mycenius** · 03-19-2015, 04:57

Okay - so it's been mentioned in a couple of threads by Jonas and I about converting a Sloop model to a Brig - should on paper be fairly simple.

Rob has contributed some images here to serve as guides for mast positioning and the hull lines...

At this stage I think it's gonna simply be:

1. Remove the Mizzenmast completely
2. Move the mainmast aft about a third of the way to the stern
3. Move the foremast aft a small way
4. Remove the Spirit Sail completely
5. Remove the Spanker from the old Mizzenmast and attach it to the repositioned Mainmast.
6. Grind/Cut/File off the raised stern section around the aft edges of the hull (sides & rear).

And - wallah - a passable Brig. I hope to make a start on this at the weekend...

So the next question is - what are the typical key stats (i.e. vessel weight, weight of broadside, crew, speed, etc) for an 18-gun (or 16-gun) Brig compared to the 14-gun Swan Class Sloops? I need to start thinking about what differences in the ship stats she'll have from the Swan's...

**TexaS** · 03-19-2015, 05:16

When I have modified my ships the masts have come off all by themselves mostly or I have used a ship with a broken off mast, but...
I moved the mizzenmast fore on the Agamemnon mod I did and then I used a scalpel to cut along the deck.that gave a smooth area where it had been and made a good base to drill into for the pin.

About the aft edges I would use a small file. It's easier to do it symmetrically than if cutting.

**Bligh** · 03-19-2015, 09:59

The following information I have is for a Brig rigged Sloop. 2 masts, flush deck, Guns vary 18/16/14. Ships of each type in commission were 27/12/3. The gun Brig was a slightly smaller version of the Brig Sloop with 14, 24 pounder Carronades. Some late vessles had 14 18 pounder Carronades with two long six pounder chasers. By definition a Brig had two masts, both square rigged, but with a fore and aft gaff rigged driver on the mainmast.

Specifications
Weight	Tonnages up to 480
Length	75–165 ft (23–50 m)
Crew	Varies, 12 to 16 to sail

Speed	Varies per conditions, hull characteristics, and rig construction and proportions, speeds of over 11 knots (20 km/h) reported

Bligh.

**DeRuyter** · 03-19-2015, 13:22

Of course you can also get one of these:

http://www.shapeways.com/product/YP9...ionId=43302780

Designed by one of our forum members, see this thread:

http://www.sailsofglory.org/showthre...ways-SOG-Ships

Something for your Swan conversion to fight!

**Coog** · 03-20-2015, 00:40

I'm thinking most brigs during the Napoleonic era were flush deck. However a brig with a quarterdeck would make a good small merchantman or privateer.

**TexaS** · 03-20-2015, 02:51

Yes, they mostly were, but we all know of the famous exception: HMS Vincejo!

Or as she's more often called HMS Sophie... and imitating the actions of HMS Speedy, but anyways...

**Bligh** · 03-20-2015, 04:13

Here is a nice link to Nelson's first command the Brig Badger.

Name: Badger_Const082_lrg.jpg
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http://www.jotika-ltd.com/Pages/1024768/Nelson_15.htm

Bligh.

**Bligh** · 03-20-2015, 04:17

And there's more.

Name: HMS Pelican vs USS Argus. 14 Aug 1813.jpg
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HMS Pelican vs USS Argus 14 August 1813

Bligh.

**Mycenius** · 03-20-2015, 15:09

Oh gosh - are we gonna need a whole squadron of Brigs with a biggee with quarterdeck for the commodore!

**John Paul** · 03-20-2015, 23:27

I have to look, but I believe my 1/300 scale Brig by Langton has a Quarter Deck, as does the French one they did!!

**Iron Outlaw** · 03-21-2015, 18:31

John, I noticed that the image of HMS Badger posted here by Rob has a Spritsail yard suggesting a Spritsail was shipped on some Brigs.

Cheers

**Iron Outlaw** · 03-21-2015, 19:10

Just been studying the images referred to above in John's initial post.

The Brig shown in the attached image has an extremely long Spanker Boom, much longer that the SoG boom on the Sloop "Le Fortune" for example And looking at the position of the Mainmast in relation to the Gun Ports, relocating that mast would seem unnecessary. The Foremast seems about right, certainly not worth the trouble of moving it that small amount.

The model has 3 Gun Ports aft of the Main mast as does the attached image also suggesting the Mainmast stay where it is, leaving only the problem of a much bigger Spanker. A new Boom, a new Gaff and a new Spanker, (in paper maybe), and one just might get away with it! Removing the Spritsail seems optional, however, the Bowsprit does need to be at a shallower angle if the Spritsail is removed. That may also necessitate new Headsails.

And of course, the Ship's Boat on Davits on the Stern.

Cheers