Frigate Berlin Ship Model Kit Wood 1:40

Model ship kit Frigate Berlin from manufacturer Corel

History of the original:

The frigate Berlin was a warship of the Brandenburg Navy and was launched in 1674. It is considered the first large, seaworthy warship of the still young Brandenburg fleet under Elector Frederick William of Brandenburg, the ‘Great Elector’. The aim of building up the fleet was to establish Brandenburg-Prussia's own naval power and secure overseas trade, especially with Africa.

The Berlin was built on Dutch models and was one of the early frigates characterised by a comparatively light construction, high speed and good manoeuvrability. It was armed with 20 to 24 cannons and served both as a warship to protect merchant ships and as the Elector's representative ship. With a length of about 30 metres and a crew of around 150, it was a medium-sized ship for its time, but one that was of considerable maritime importance to Brandenburg.

The Berlin was part of Brandenburg's early colonial endeavours, which were linked to the African Trading Company and the establishment of Groß Friedrichsburg on the Gold Coast (now Ghana). Its purpose was to secure trade and assert Brandenburg's presence against competing European powers such as the Netherlands, England and Denmark.

Although the Brandenburg fleet was short-lived and never achieved the power of the great maritime powers, the Berlin of 1674 is a symbol of Brandenburg-Prussia's first attempts to establish itself as a maritime power.

Description of the kit:

The model is modelled on the original down to the smallest detail. 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 2x4mm 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. Sailcloth and the necessary rigging materials are included in the kit for the set of sails. The rigging cord is very carefully twisted and easy to work with. Alternatively, a set of ready-sewn sails is available.

The building instructions are very comprehensive.

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.

What do the building instructions look like?

The kit contains 4 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 assembly instructions are not available for download.

Technical data:

Scale: 1:40
Overall length 830 mm
Overall width 350 mm
Fuselage length 700 mm
Fuselage width 190 mm
Height 690 mm