During my own communications with the producers of this kit, particularly about the “J Caird” versus “James Caird” issue, I received an email containing the following statements:
“We however will be keeping with the full name "James Caird" as this is what is shown on the boat on display at Dulwich College, South London, UK.”
”Our model is based on the best information available about the boat, its fit-out and equipment etc - we have applied sensible and pragmatic model building decisions for a commercially available model kit. Like with all model ship kits - the model builder is free to make their own interpretations and changes.”
I think that these are reasonable statements. I have built my own model of the James Caird and tried my best to make it match Hurley’s photographs and descriptions in the diaries and writings of those who were there. Some of the kit details - number and spacing of the ribs, shape of the rudder, the name at the bow, total number of strakes - differ from what I was able to find. But, as the kit developers said themselves, model builders can make whatever changes they wish.
I am looking forward to seeing a James Caird build log in the “models built from kits” section of this forum!
James
Maine