Posted in Naval & Aviation History

Memoirs Frigate Hermione La Fayette (II): Shipwreck, Location and Reconstruction of the French Ship

After the help it provided in the United States War of Independence, we continue telling the memoirs of the frigate Hermione La Fayette on this post. Specifically, we will talk about its latest missions, its rediscovery at the bottom of the sea and its reconstruction with a replica that exists today. Given the great historical relevance of this large French sailboat, the modelers of Artesanía Latina created a faithful wooden model at 1:89 scale (22517-N). Which, by the way, is now also presented at Gift Pack (22517-L) with the model, its specific paints and its figurines. All in 1 at a cheaper price than if the products are purchased separately!

Gift Pack Frigate Hermione La Fayette avec Model, Paints and Figurines (22517-L) by Artesanía Latina.

Seven months after its return to France – where it underwent various repairs – it was entrusted with new campaigns. In September 1782, the frigate’s destination ocean will no longer be the Atlantic, but the Indian Ocean. The coasts of India and the Bay of Bengal await the Hermione and its new commander, Lieutenant Du Pérou. Aim? Support the fleet of Admiral Suffren, who fights on a secondary front of the American War. L’Hermione arrives at Île de France on April 18 and joins Suffren on July 14, 1783, a few days after its important victory at Gondelour. Peace was signed in 1783 and L’Hermione returned to Rochefort in February 1784, after several stops on the île de France and Île Bourbon in October 1783.

Frigate Hermione La Fayette (II) Memoirs: Wreck, Location and Reconstruction of the French Ship.

For seven years, from 1784 to 1791, the memoirs of the frigate Hermione La Fayette remain stationary in Rochefort. Its hull is very damaged and requires a very deep and long repair. Her hull and rigging are also not in optimal condition. That is why, since 1789, around 450 repairs have been carried out so that it can sail again.

MEMOIRS OF FRIGATE HERMIONE LA FAYETTE: WRECK AND LOCATION

Times of revolutionary France back in 1793. On the one hand, the country goes to war against the English in February. On the other hand, Vandean revolts occur in the west of the Gallic nation. In these turbulent times, the memoirs of the frigate Hermione La Fayette are written again with Captain Pierre Martin. This is because the French ship is heading to monitor and control the Vendeans and English at the mouth of the Loire River. They must be prevented from landing on the coast and from entering the town of Sables-d’Olonne and Nantes.

Frigate Hermione La Fayette (II) Memoirs: Wreck, Location and Reconstruction of the French Ship.

Its last mission arrives in September of that same year, which leads it to its shipwreck. Hermione only has to escort a convoy of twelve ships with a cargo of sixty-five guns from Indret between the Loire estuary and Brest. The inexperience of the crew is such that the frigate runs aground in the shallow waters of Le Croisic (Plateau du Four) breaking the hull to starboard.

The jewel of French naval history remains for almost two centuries at the bottom of the sea. It was not until July 22, 1984 when a diver, Michel Vasquez, discovered parts of the wreck. With great care, they manage to float some of the remains, thus beginning to bring the frigate Hermione La Fayette back to life. Among others, the anchor, a piece of the rudder and three cannons. The last searches with geolocator end in 2005.

RECONSTRUCTION OF THE FRIGATE: HERMIONE LA FAYETTE ASSOCIATION

The memoirs of the frigate Hermione La Fayette must be brought back to reality. For this reason, the Hermione La Fayette Association – whose official license our models hold – decides to create a replica of the French ship. In 1997, its reconstruction began at the Rochefort arsenal. Seventeen years later, on September 7th, 2014, the magnificent replica of L’Hermione was launched.

Hermione La Fayette Frigate Memoirs (II): Reconstruction of the French Ship

Shipyard is located in one of the two dry docks located at one end of the Corderie Royale, on the banks of the Charente River, in Rochefort. The place was designed and conditioned so that it could be visited.

The first and fundamental premise is that the replica is as faithful as possible to the original. That is, a three-masted ship with more than sixty-five meters in length, twelve hundred square meters of sails and a hull made entirely of oak wood. Without original plans, they take as reference those of Concorde, its twin frigate. On this, they are making the required changes with two goals: its adaptation to current regulations and its comfort for the crew.

These are some of the characteristics of the replica: mainmast fifty-four meters above the keel, made with two thousand oak trees, more than four hundred thousand pieces of metal and wood, one thousand pulleys, twenty-six cannons 12 pounds on the battery deck and eight 6s on the main deck.

For the rigging of 18th century ship, around 200 sailors were needed. However, the replica is only 80, which shows that it now has numerous technological improvements. The original frigate was built in just half a year, while the launch of the replica was in the 21st century, it takes six years until 2014.

HERMIONE LA FAYETTE: MODELS FOR THE DELIGHT OF MODELERS

Once its complete history is known, we encourage naval modelers to build our Hermione La Fayette model for advanced level (22517-N) if you have expertise skills or our Easy Kit model for beginners (17000).

Frigate Hermione La Fayette Model (22517-N) by Artesanía Latina. Easy Kit Model Ship Hermione La Fayette (17000) by Artesanía Latina.

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Posted in Ship Models

Hermione La Fayette Model Ship: The Return of the ‘Frigate of Liberty’ for Advanced Naval Modelers

The beautiful ‘Frigate of Liberty’ has already returned to our warehouses foe delighting our modelers friends, especially from advanced level onwards. We are talking about Hermione La Fayette model ship at 1/89 scale (22517-N). A faithful miniature replica made of wood of this 18th century flagship of French naval history.

Hermione La Fayette Model Ship at 1:89 scale (22517-N). Faithful wooden replica for advanced modelers.

This jewel of the naval modeling boasts the official marketing license of the Hermione La Fayette Association, which has also participated on the design of this fantastic scale model. The aforementioned Gallic group is the one in charge of the construction of the life-size replica, which began 200 years after its launch in 1997. It is noteworthy that, in 2015, it made the same trip as the original ship. Now, the modeler can also enjoy its reliable assembly with the acquisition of the modeling kit from Artesania Latina containing the Hermione La Fayette model.

Hermione La Fayette Model Ship at 1:89 scale (22517-N). Faithful wooden replica for advanced modelers.

We have totally renewed the old model -you can download its digital instructions-. Thanks to our team of modelers and 3D designers, we have rebuilt the legendary Gallic vessel based on the same original plans of the ship. Now, let’s get to know the contents of the naval modeling kit of this wonderful wooden model.

CONTENTS WOODEN MODELING KIT HERMIONE LA FAYETTE MODEL

Like all the products of this renowned Spanish firm, Artesania Latina, the modeling kit with Hermione La Fayette model ship at 1:89 scale is high quality. Its parts meet the highest standards so that its assembly is a delight and that the model lasts for a very long time, incalculable.

Hermione La Fayette Model Ship at 1:89 scale (22517-N). Faithful wooden replica for advanced modelers.

It contains a high-precision laser-cut plywood board, so the removal of the parts is very easy. And, of course, their fitting too. Also, it brings parts of noble wood and veneer such as birch, which gives the miniature a totally real look.

Hermione La Fayette Model Ship at 1:89 scale (22517-N). Faithful wooden replica for advanced modelers.

Regarding its numerous details, the modeling kit brings them in high quality photo-etched brass. Without forgetting a multitude of accessories made of wood, metal and brass. In short, it comes with everything so that your Hermione La Fayette model is the same as the original ship.

Hermione La Fayette Model Ship at 1:89 scale (22517-N). Faithful wooden replica for advanced modelers.

Hermione La Fayette Model Ship at 1:89 scale (22517-N). Faithful wooden replica for advanced modelers.

As for the sails, it includes cotton sails, already sewn by hand, ready to be placed. On this way we facilitate the work of our modelers friends… And with optimal sails! As a gift bonus, the exhibition base for placing the model once finished, with name plate, could not be missing. Perfect for your model ship museum! By the way, once built, the model measures 750mm long, 284mm wide and 591mm high

Hermione La Fayette Model Ship at 1:89 scale (22517-N). Faithful wooden replica for advanced modelers.

VERY DETAILED DIGITAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR ASSEMBLY

Of course, to assemble Hermione La Fayette model ship, this one needs some instructions. Artesania Latina has taken care to create the best guide for step-by-step digital assembly on DVD format for computers (Windows and Mac). Why are our instructions the best? For its thoroughness and precision, for its more than 2,000 images in total and, last but not least, for its explanatory video tutorials. These clearly show modeling techniques and tricks that any modeling professional puts into practice.

FINISHES AND ACCESSORIES HERMIONE LA FAYETTE MODEL SHIP

Give the final touch to the French frigate Hermione La Fayette model ship and to bring it to life, Artesania Latina has provided two magnificent extras, for sale separately. On the one hand, achieve the most faithful finishes to the original boat by painting the 1:89 scale model with your Set of Acrylic Water-Based Paints (277PACK4), quick-drying. This contains 12 jars with 20 ml each in the following colours: Off White, Off Black, Bright Red, Royal Blue, Prussian Blue, Ice Yellow, Deep Yellow, Buff, Cocoa Brown, Burnt Umber, Gold and Vermilion.

Set of Acrylic Water-Based Paints (277PACK4) for Hermione La Fayette Model (22517-N).

Hermione La Fayette Model Ship at 1:89 scale (22517-N). Faithful wooden replica for advanced modelers.

On the other hand, if you want your splendid miniature of the Gallic ship to come to life, we also offer the solution! With the Hermione La Fayette 14 Metal Figure Set (22517-F) will do just that. Includes 7 sailors and 7 officers of the French Navy. They are figurines with measurements between 0.984” (25mm) and 1.181” (30mm) ready to be assembled and painted.

Hermione La Fayette 14 Metal Figure Set (22517-F).

Hermione La Fayette 14 Metal Figure Set (22517-F).

If you want to glue them, we recommend to our modelers friends our Thick Cyanoacrylate and Accelerator (27650). To paint them, the Basic Paints Set for Figurines (277PACK14) or the Advanced Set (277PACK15). Our specific Synthetic Brushes for Figures and Details (17120) are ideal for this task. Do not hesitate to assemble the historic and emblematic Hermione La Fayette model ship and add all the extras! As we said at the beginning, it is without a doubt a naval modeling museum piece that should be on your collection.

Hermione La Fayette Model Ship at 1:89 scale (22517-N). Faithful wooden replica for advanced modelers.

HERMIONE LA FAYETTE GIFT PACK

The Hermione La Fayette Gift Pack (22517-L) brings everything the French frigate needs to show off at your home or office. The 1:89 scale model (22517-N), its specific paints set (277PACK-4) and its set of 14 metal figurines (22517-F). Do you want your loved one to be happy? Give her/him this gift pack at a lower price than if you buy the products separately… Or enjoy it yourself!

Hermione La Fayette Gift Pack: Ship model, Figurines and Paints (22517-L) by Artesania Latina.