Galleon San Felipe 1690

San Felipe Galleon Panart-Mantua Model Kit

The San Felipe was a Spanish galleon built in 1690 and is one of the most impressive warships from the late heyday of Spanish seafaring. It was built as a representative and powerful ship for the Spanish Crown at a time when Spain had to defend its transatlantic trade routes and colonies against pirates and rival naval powers such as England, France and the Netherlands.

With a length of about 65 metres, a width of around 16 metres and a displacement of over 1,000 tonnes, the San Felipe was one of the largest and most magnificent ships of its time. Its massive hull and elaborately decorated superstructure at the stern bear witness to the sophisticated Spanish shipbuilding techniques of the 17th century. The galleon was armed with over 90 cannons on several decks and had a crew of more than 900 men, making it a floating bulwark that could be used both for combat and for protecting the Spanish silver fleets.

The San Felipe was mainly used in the waters of the Atlantic and the Caribbean, where it escorted convoys and secured trade routes. Its name appears in several reports of battles between Spanish and English fleets, particularly in the conflicts over naval supremacy in the late 17th century. According to tradition, the San Felipe took part in heavy fighting against British warships and distinguished itself through exceptional steadfastness and firepower before finally being lost in battle.

Its magnificent appearance, with its richly carved stern, gilded ornaments and detailed rigging, makes the San Felipe (1690) one of the most popular models for historical ship models to this day. It symbolises the power, wealth and artistic ambition of the Spanish empire in the age of sail and embodies the pinnacle of Spanish galleon development.

The hull is constructed using a double planking frame construction. The 104 guns are made of brass, and the numerous decorations are made of cast brass. All visible wooden parts are made of walnut. Loving and rich detailing and 11 construction plan sheets (plus 1 plan sheet for the optional sail set) provide information about a ship model whose original was intended to demonstrate the power and strength of the Spanish Armada in its day.

The construction of this exquisite model requires experience in building historical ship models. Beginners should look for an easier task.

Accessories:

834021 Set of ready-sewn sails (not included in the kit)

Technical data:

Scale: 1:75
Length overall: 965 mm
Width overall: 380 mm
Height: 700 mm
Planking: double