Prince de Neufchatel   This is for the brave souls who sailed a great American ship.  Here you will find the historical account of the famous 1812 privateer. This also serves as a source for data and photos about a 1\24 scale, wind powered, radio control model of the Prince. Many of the photos are of the first known Prince de Neufchatel RC kit to be completed and launched.  I include my experiences in the construction of this kit, hopefully providing insight and helpful tips for those interested in future builds.   On occasion, I receive mail asking if I have more information about the ship or individual crewmembers. Some inquiries are from researchers, while others are from possible descendants seeking clues about those gallant men who walked the ships' decks and bravely fought to keep this our Country. Unfortunately, I have nothing more to contribute than is already posted; but I welcome any additional knowledge and encourage you to let me provide this website as a way for others to benefit from that knowledge. Of course, you will receive credit for your contribution.   Robert E Franklin (aka...hoghappy, slick and a few other more colorful names)   Prince de Neufchatel and the War of 1812...why?   Less than 40 years after the first American Revolution,  America was again fighting for its independence!   The below is borrowed with permission from: www.usmm.org   The War of 1812 was fought over the Merchant Marine. The British were seizing American ships on the high seas, and forcing seamen to join the British navy or merchant navy. In addition, Britain seized vessels bound for Europe that did not first call at a British port. France retaliated, confiscating vessels if they had first stopped in Britain. Together they seized nearly 1,500 American vessels between 1803 and 1812.   The War was fought by merchant ships, because the U.S. had almost no Navy. The battle cry was; "Free Trade and Sailors' Rights!" During the War of 1812, the U.S. Navy and Privateers together captured 30,000 prisoners, while the American army captured 6,000 British prisoners. Privateers captured British prizes worth almost $40,000,000.   Comparison of Navy vs Privateers during War of 1812    U.S. Navy  Privateers Total ships 23 517 Total guns on ships 556 2893 Enemy ships captured 254 1300

The information below is used with permission from the manufacturers web site: www.modelsailingships.com    The Prince de Neufchatel Adam and Noah Brown's Privateer Schooner   Built at New York in 1813 this ship was one of the fastest and most successful Mercian ships of the War of 1812 (6 prizes in 6 days in the English Channel (1814); chased 17 times by men-of-war that summer, but outran them every time). A large schooner (110' 8", 33.7m length on deck), she was typical in body plan of the American privateers. Very highly thought of by her country (she changed owners in 1814 for $21,000) as well as her enemies. When finally taken, the British copied her.   Our ship is armed with 16 18 lb carronades and two 6 lb cannon, has three square sails, a driver (supplied as a double reefed version as well) a topmast gaff sail, a fore gaff sail, and three jibs. She has two sail servos (one, a sail winch, for the fore and aft sails, one for the square) and one rudder servo.  Length on deck is 55.3" (1.4m) Hull weight is 25 lbs (11.4 kgs), Sailing weight is 47 lbs (21.4 kg's) Ballast keel weighs 22 lbs (10.0 kg's) Ready for sailing she measures (extreme) 97" long, 67" high and 33" wide (2.46m x 1.7m x .84m).

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