L’Orenoque was one of the first French frigates with mixed propulsion (sail and steam) built in 1848. It displaced 2,568 tons. Although it was provided with advanced mechanical propulsion, it kept the typical masting of the frigates of the time. Scarcely armed, it was used in particular to transport troops. The richness of the superstructures, reproduced with refined performance and faithful scale, the characteristic paddle-wheels and the classic masting give the model a new and original look.
