SpanishFrigate Nuestra Señora de las Mercedes Ship Kit M1:85

Spanish frigate Nuestra Señora de las Mercedes wooden kit from manufacturer Occre

History of the original:

The Nuestra Señora de las Mercedes was a Spanish frigate from the late 18th century, launched in 1788 at the shipyard in Havana, Cuba. It was one of a series of 34-gun frigates built to protect Spanish trade routes and colonial connections. With a length of about 49 metres, sleek lines and good sailing ability, it was in line with the most modern construction principles of its time.

Its armament officially consisted of 34 guns, including 12-pounders on the main deck, which enabled it to take on enemy frigates and pirate ships. With a crew of around 250, the Mercedes was suitable for both warfare and convoy escort duties.

However, the frigate became famous less for its military missions than for its tragic end. On 5 October 1804, during a return voyage from South America, the Mercedes, together with three other Spanish frigates, was intercepted by a British squadron off Cape Santa Maria near the Portuguese Algarve. Although Spain and Great Britain were officially still at peace at the time, the Royal Navy opened fire. A British shell hit the Mercedes' powder magazine, causing the frigate to explode and sink within minutes. Over 250 crew members were killed.

On board was a large cargo of silver and gold from the Spanish colonies – treasures that were only recovered off the coast in 2007 by a private salvage company and later had to be returned to Spain after a long legal battle.

Today, the Nuestra Señora de las Mercedes is remembered both for the dangers of 18th-century naval warfare and for the close connection between shipbuilding, colonial trade and politics.

Description of the kit:

The kit contains all the materials needed for construction. Selected woods and precision-cut components enable accurate assembly. The model is constructed using a frame-and-plank method, with double planking on the hull, ramin underplanking and hardwood visible planking. The fittings and attachments, most of which are made of metal, are included in a small sorting box. The scope of delivery includes all the rigging material with all the necessary blocks, pulleys and rigging cord, as well as a ready-sewn set of sails. A model stand is not included in the scope of delivery. German assembly instructions for correctly assembling the 4500 individual components are included.

Who is this kit suitable for?

The kit is suitable for model builders with some experience in historical ship modelling.

What else is needed?

Paints, adhesives and tools are required and can be found in our product range.

What do the assembly instructions look like?

The instruction booklet consists of 95 pages of colourful, well-illustrated step-by-step instructions. Text descriptions and explanatory images. A construction plan and parts lists are included. The rigging is described in detail and in an easy-to-understand manner.

Languages: German, English, Italian, Spanish

The assembly instructions are available for download from the manufacturer OCCRE.

Technical data:

Scale: 1:85
Length: 845 mm
Height: 640 mm
Width: 365 mm
Construction time: 650 hours