Frigate Wapen von Hamburg ship model kit from manufacturer Corel
History of the original:
The Wapen von Hamburg from 1669 was a large three-masted frigate in the service of the Hanseatic City of Hamburg, built to actively protect maritime trade against piracy, especially against North African corsairs. It was built at a time when the city was a free trading metropolis of enormous economic importance and needed an armed convoy ship to protect merchant fleets on their routes to the Atlantic and the Mediterranean.
The ship represented the advanced shipbuilding technology of Northern Europe in the late 17th century. The hull was made of heavy oak, built in a full-barrel frame construction with a strikingly bulging midship area, a strong keel and a pronounced stem line. The deck lines show a slim, streamlined waterline in combination with stable superstructures. The length and width were in a balanced ratio that supported load-bearing capacity, seaworthiness and sufficient manoeuvrability. The length was around 40 metres, the width around 10 metres, with deep water displacement. The ship carried a crew of 180 to 250 men, consisting of sailors, artillerymen and marines.
The rigging corresponded to that of the powerful warships of the era: three masts, each with square sails on the main and foremasts, supplemented by mizzen sails and additional staysails. This configuration enabled powerful propulsion on broad reaches and stable height against the wind within the limits of contemporary sailing technology. The mast and spar plan was solidly designed, with strong shrouds, stays and halyards, carefully tarred rope and neatly proportioned blocks. The sails were made of heavy canvas, with sturdy reefing lines and neat reefing.
The armament comprised around 50 guns, distributed across the battery and upper decks, flanked by smaller swivel guns on the superstructure. The calibre varied depending on the location, typically ranging from 6 to 18 pounders, giving the ship sufficient firepower for both line and convoy combat service. The gun carriages were made of hardwood with iron fittings and neatly arranged return and locking blocks. Ammunition and powder were stored in deep, well-ventilated rooms below the waterline, protected by thick planking and insulated magazine areas.
The deck layout reflected the ship's military purpose: a clear field of fire in the forecastle area, a tidy main deck with orderly gun ports, clear walkways and low, functional superstructures. The raised stern housed the captain's quarters and officers' quarters, as well as navigation instruments and charts. The stern bore elaborate, detailed ornamentation, dominated by the Hamburg city coat of arms, flanked by figurative carvings and scrollwork motifs typical of North German representative ships of the Baroque period. The colour scheme consisted of a dark, tarred underwater hull, natural wood surfaces and gun ports painted red to ochre, complemented by gilded decorative elements on the stern.
The Wapen von Hamburg operated as a convoy ship on routes to Spain, Portugal and the Mediterranean. It escorted merchant ships, fought defensive battles and performed representative duties. Its seaworthy, sturdy construction enabled it to make long voyages and remain in service for extended periods under demanding conditions. The ship sank off Malaga in heavy weather in 1683 and was not replaced, ending the Hanseatic city's phase of military autonomy.
Description of the kit:
The dimensions of the model are so large that, on the one hand, a large display area is required, but on the other hand, many details can be reproduced true to the original. The greatest care was taken in designing the kit for this unique model. The result is a high-quality kit for a faithful replica of the ship with high aesthetic appeal.
The kit contains all the materials and parts required for construction. The hull is constructed using a frame-and-rib method. The plywood parts are prefabricated and require only minor adjustments. The planking is made of walnut strips. All woods are of selected high quality. The fittings set is very extensive and of high quality. The stern decorations are made of cast brass, cannons and carronades of burnished cast metal. Fine details are represented by etched brass parts. Rigging material is included in the kit. The rigging twine is very carefully twisted and easy to work with. Sailcloth and flags are also included.
The between decks can be fully constructed and, if desired, can also be designed to be removable.
Who is the kit suitable for?
The kit is only suitable for experienced model builders.
What else is needed?
Paints, adhesives and tools are required and can be found in our range.
Alternatively, a set of ready-sewn sails is available.
What do the building instructions look like?
The kit contains detailed construction plans that reproduce the model to scale. The comprehensive manual also contains various sketches and photographs documenting the model and building instructions.
Languages: German, English, Italian
The building instructions are not available for download.
Technical data:
Scale: 1:50
Length: 1100 mm
Width: 460 mm
Hull length: 910 mm
Hull width: 220 mm
