US Revenue Cutter (1815)

Immediately after the American Independence War, the newly formed state sought to raise revenue, and this was done by money from tariffs on imported goods. Due to expanding industry and business, it became necessary to fix reasonable rates of these taxes. Therefore, on August 4, 1790 the Council of Congress established the US Coast Cutter Service - a kind of armed customs service. Initially 10 cutters were built and assigned to patrol certain coastal sectors from New Hampshire to Georgia. They are named "Massachusetts", "Scammel", "Argus", "Vigilant", General Greene", "Active, "Virginia", Diligence, "South Carolina" and "Eagle". During the conflict with France (1798 - 1801) and during the War of 1812 the American fleet gradually expanded as new ships were built, including cutters and schooners. Over time, the USRC fleet carried out a wider range of missions, that became more closely related to military missions. In 1815 William Doughty designed three classes of customs cutters (31-, 51-, and 79-tons), the smallest of which was only 48 ft. long, 14 ft. wide, and 5 ft. draft. The largest were 69 ft. long, 19 ft. wide, and 6 ft. draft. These were two-masted vessels with gaff (topsail schooner) sail equipment, armed with a single carronade.

A simple, well-detailed and well-designed model of the smallest of William Doughty's cutters, detailing everything possible at this scale and visible on the outside of the ship. The model is not very complicated, so it is perfect for both advanced beginners and modelers with little experience. But it would be good for both of them to have a more experienced colleague around to give advice, when problems arise. This model can be chosen as the first step into the fascinating world of sailing ship models.