trafalgar archivos - El Blog de Artesanía Latina

HMS Victory Modeling Kit at 1/84 Scale: Spectacular and Faithful Anatomy for Expert Modelers of Lord Nelson’s Legendary Ship in the Battle of Trafalgar

Posted on October 29, 2024October 25, 2024 by Administrador DelBlog

When are you going to make the HMS Victory again? Our modelers friends asked us during these last years. Artesanía Latina team wanted to create a spectacular wooden model ship, that was not just another one, and we have achieved it. The fantastic review Anatomy of HMS Victory Modeling Kit (22900-OP) at 1:84 scale, Trafalgar 1805 edition.

This faithful reduced model of the English ship from 18th and 19th centuries perfectly represents the aforementioned legendary Lord Nelson‘s ship of the line. It is officially licensed by the British National Museum of the Royal Navy. It is, without a doubt, the most famous ship in sailing, the one that participated in the defeat of the Napoleonic -French/Spanish- troops in the Battle of Trafalgar. This fantastic miniature replica is aimed at modellers with an expert level of skills. It is truly a delight to build! We introduce you this model on the video below:

CONTENTS WOODEN SHIP OF THE LINE: ANATOMY OF HMS VICTORY MODELING KIT

Build your Anatomy of HMS Victory modeling kit at 1:84 scale, English ship of the line from the 18th and 19th centuries. A fundamental jewel for naval modeling, a beautiful challenge for modelers with greater knowledge of this beautiful hobby. Its assembly system using a false keel and frames also brings its construction closer to that of the real ship. In addition, it is important to highlight that it includes all the interior detail on all its decks, visible through the open right side of the hull.

This reissue of the naval modeling kit with the maquette of HMS Victory contains high quality parts. More than 10,000 parts of high-precision laser-cut board, hardwoods, brass and die-cast. As well as copper lining for the hull, cotton sails hand-sewn and ready to be placed, cotton threads, flags and a wooden work base.

Also, it has a complete rigging, 104 fully equipped cannons – with five different types and a carronade -, figurehead and stern decorations, among others. Each element has been faithfully and specifically designed for this masterpiece. In short, the modeler will obtain with the acquisition of this HMS Victory modeling kit more than two thousand hours of entertainment at her/his workshop.

We remind you again, the immensity and variety of the details included in the different decks, such as, for example, the small boats and many others.

Likewise, it includes as a gift bonus a splendid exhibition base made in methacrylate with a die-cast gold-coloured nameplate to display this artwork.

We show you the complete HMS Victory modeling kit in detail on the video below:

HMS VICTORY MODELING KIT INSTRUCTIONS

For the assembly of Anatomy HMS Victory modeling kit, you can follow our complete step-by-step guide entirely on video -very easy to follow- which you can watch for free on our YouTube channel -click here-. You can also scan the existing QR code on the box. It will be like a masterclass carried out by our professional modelers.

The kit does not contain printed instructions. We include in the box a very useful printed summary guide to help you in the process of building the model. The summary guide also has the QR code.

Also, the plan and the parts list are printed. Likewise, it has a schematic plan of the masts and yards.

Once HMS Victory modeling kit is built, the faithful miniature replica measures 47^5/16”(1,202 mm) length, 18^1/2”(470 mm) width and 31^11/16”(805 mm) height -34^7/16” or 875 mm with the base-.

FINISHES OF HMS VICTORY MODELING KIT: PAINTS AND LED LIGHTS

Complete your wooden model of this beautiful ship by obtaining the best finishes for your HMS Victory at 1:84 scale by painting it with HMS Victory Specific Paints Set (277PACK11), sold separately.

Remember that, as the boat is prepared to be illuminated, the model can come to life even more with the installation of our LED Lighting Set for Anatomy of HMS Victory (22900-LED), available separately and soon.

LIFE AND REALISM FOR THE MINIATURE REPLICA: TWO NEW SETS OF FIGURINES

Bring to life and realism to your miniature replica of HMS Victory with two fantastic new 1/84 scale figurine sets, soon available separately. On the one hand, the Set of 19 Metal Figurines of the British Royal Navy (22900F1) with Horatio Nelson, 5 officers, surgeon and 4 soldiers. In addition, you can even represent the ‘Death of Nelson’ scene with 8 other additional figurines that it comes with.

On the other hand, the Set of 19 Metal Figurines for Ships: Sailors from 1700 to 1815 (22900F2) with 5 gunboats, 11 sailors, 2 cabin boys and a cook. An additional crew directed to the HMS Victory modeling kit, as well as miniature replicas of the Cutty Sark, San Juan de Nepomuceno, Santa Ana and Santísima Trinidad, among others. It can also be used for naval models that have the same scale and are from the same period – 18th century and early 19th century – if desired. Measurements of all figures in both sets: around 0.78” or 20 mm.

HISTORY OF THE MOST POWERFUL SHIP OF THE WORLD, THE ONLY ONE STILL IN ONE PIECE

Currently, it is in a dry dock in the port of Portsmouth (Hampshire) in England as a museum piece. The English ship HMS Victory remains the flagship of the Second Lord of the Sea. It is even more important because it is the only ship of the line that has survived to this day in conditions faithful to the originals.

HMS Victory was launched in 1765. The rest of the works such as the rigging, the sails and the armament were progressively completed until in 1778 the ship of the line could be in active service. Specifically, this was a first class ship. The initials of this famous ship refer to “His/Her Majesty’s Ship.” In this case “His”, since the ship first sailed during the reign of George III of the United Kingdom and Ireland (1738-1820).

HMS VICTORY IN THE BATTLE OF TRAFALGAR

HMS Victory soon participated in its first battle, in 1778. Loaded with 104 guns and under the command of different commanders, this three-decker British ship of the line lived through several wars and had various functions. For a few years it became a hospital ship for Spanish and French prisoners of war. It was not until 1805, at Cape Trafalgar, that he achieved worldwide fame for leading the English fleet to victory.

Two years after being assigned to command HMS Victory, vice admiral Horatio Nelson was the leader who participated in the aforementioned Battle of Trafalgar. It was the most decisive of the Napoleonic Wars.

Thirty-four Franco-Spanish ships encountered a much stronger and better prepared British Royal Navy. The defeat was imminent and indisputable. The fleet led by Vice Admiral Nelson won the most important battle. It was the beginning of the decline of the French emperor in Europe.

Vice Admiral Nelson, however, never knew his victory. During the heat of battle, he was shot through his spine and ended his life a few hours later, becoming one of Britain’s greatest war heroes. This battle was the one that put an end to the French and Spanish navies. The United Kingdom would assume maritime supremacy, which would last until World War II.

Now, you have the great opportunity to build this great 1:84 scale model Anatomy of HMS Victory (22900-OP) on our new Modeler’s Workshop (27648-N), sold separately.

Ship Models

HMS Victory Model Ship: Commemorate Battle of Trafalgar Anniversary Assembling its New Wooden Cross-Section at 1:72 Scale

Posted on October 27, 2023March 4, 2024 by Administrador DelBlog

What a joy it is for the team of professionals at Artesanía Latina surprise our modelers with something new! In this case with a new historical naval model highly coveted. On the occasion of the commemoration of the anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar, which was fought back on October 21, 1805 – 218 years ago – we have created a magnificent naval miniature. Both beginner and more expert modelers can now build the HMS Victory Model Ship Cross-Section (20500). Specifically, it is a spectacular 1:72 scale wooden modeling kit.

When you finish assembling it, you will be able to appreciate with total clarity and fidelity the six decks that made up the flagship of Vice Admiral Lord Nelson, the largest warship in history. What was life like on board a ship during the 17th and 18th centuries? The wooden naval modeling kit with the model of the English ship of the line 1805 Trafalgar Edition will be shown to you through this museum quality jewel.

Do you think HMS Victory model ship cross-section is beautiful? Wait until you watch the video below in its entirety, we present it in detail, showing off in all its splendor.

NAVAL MODELING KIT WITH HMS VICTORY SHIP OF THE LINE SECTION

The British ship of the line HMS Victory with Horatio Nelson in command fought against the Spanish Navy at the Battle of Trafalgar. It was the largest ship in the British Royal Navy. So, given its relevance, do not hesitate now to assemble this classic section of the model ship HMS Victory, full of decorative details.

Its naval modeling kit contains high-precision laser-cut board parts, hardwoods, brass and cast iron. The cannons are die-cast and fully equipped. So that it is beautifully displayed, it includes a small exhibition base with a metal nominative plate. If you want to make it more realistic, we also provide you with the copper lining of the hull and, as another excellent bonus, 8 figures in die-cast with Admiral Nelson.

As we mentioned previously, the cross-section of HMS Victory model ship will offer you the opportunity to examine in depth the construction and structure of the ship, as well as the entire high level of detail of its six decks.

That will be once it is built, so for its assembly you can follow our complete step-by-step guide entirely on video – very easy to understand – which you can watch for free at our Youtube channel –click here–. To do this, you can also scan the QR code on the box and on the printed parts list that comes with the box. It will be like a masterclass carried out by our professional modelers. The kit does not contain printed instructions. You can also download the 1:1 plan of the model for free in the button on this sheet called ‘Instructions and Downloadable Content’. Once it is completed, the HMS Victory model ship will measure 9.44” (240mm) length, 13.58” (345mm) height and 3.58” (91mm) width.

HMS VICTORY MODEL SHIP OF THE LINE: FINISHES AND ACCESSORIES

If the modeler build this fantastic cross-section of HMS Victory model ship a model completely faithful to the original replica, we recommend that you paint it with our Specific Set of Water-Based Acrylic Paints(277PACK29), sold separately.

For the protection of the model while it is displayed and to give it a museum touch, we strongly suggest that you place it in its fabulous Methacrylate Urn (20500AS), also for sale separately.

Finally, illuminate the cross-section to give it more realism with the LED Lighting Set for Models and DIY Projects (27590).

So decide soon to build the HMS Victory Model Ship Cross-Section (20500). We present it to you in this careful box with the wooden naval modeling kit.

Oh, you can also purchase everything your model needs with the Gift Pack HMS Victory Cross-Section (20500L), which comes with the model, its methacrylate display urn, its set of LED lights, its pack of paints and a Micro Riveting Tool to cover the hull (27319). And at a lower price than if you buy all the products separately!

HISTORY OF THE MOST POWERFUL SHIP OF THE LINE IN THE WORLD, THE ONLY ONE THAT REMAINS AS IT WAS

Today, it is on dock in the port of Portsmouth (Hampshire) in England as a museum piece. The English ship HMS Victory remains the flagship of the Second Lord of the Sea. It is even more important because it is the only ship of the line that has survived to this day in conditions faithful to the originals.

HMS Victory was launched in 1765. The rest of the works such as the rigging, the sails and the armament were progressively completed until in 1778 the ship of the line could be in active service.

Two years after being assigned to command HMS Victory, vice admiral Horatio Nelson participated in the Battle of Trafalgar. The most decisive of the Napoleonic Wars. It was the one that put an end to the French and Spanish navies. The United Kingdom would assume a maritime supremacy that would last until the Second World War.

However, Nelson did not have the opportunity to learn of his victory. He died during the battle in the course of a close combat with the Redoutable, a large French ship with 74 guns. From the tops of the Redoutable, a marksman then reached Nelson.

Now you can remember history by building the section of one of the most important ships in history! The HMS Victory model ship cross-section.

Ship Models

Model Ship Santisima Trinidad in Wood at 1/84 Scale: 100% New and Trustworthy Design for the Trafalgar 1805 Edition of the Spanish Navy Flagship

Posted on September 19, 2023October 11, 2023 by Administrador DelBlog

Many emails from our modelers friends requesting it and they convinced us. A naval modeling kit has arrived at our warehouses that will drive you crazy due to its beauty and its historical relevance. The new wooden model ship Santisima Trinidad Trafalgar Edition 1805 (22901), at 1:84 scale. Yes, the modeler can now assemble the flagship of the Spanish Navy.

A highly desired product made by Artesanía Latina, the 2023 greatest novelty on the naval modeling market! It is a faithful replica – without precedent – in miniature with 100% new design of the Spanish ship of the line with 144 cannons, symbol of Spanish naval power from the late 18th century and early 19th century.

We have based as a reference on the plan found in Saint Petersburg and on the monograph by Joaquín Rodríguez Crespo. This model accurately represents what the ship looked like at the end of its life, with the correct artillery. It was an essential vessel in the Battle of Trafagar between the British Royal Navy and the Spanish Navy. Of course, now we have refloated it from the bottom of the sea to bring you an exuberant wooden naval modeling kit aimed at elite modelers. We present it to you on this video:

MODEL SHIP SANTÍSIMA TRINIDAD: KIT CONTENTS OF SPANISH SHIP OF THE LINE

The new wooden naval modeling kit of the famous Spanish ship of the line Santisima Trinidad at 1:84 scale was the greatest weapon of its time, it received the nickname ‘El Escorial de los Mares’. The emblem of the feared Spanish Navy. Just below there is a video in which you can watch all the contents of this stunning wooden model ship.

The modeler will find in this new Trafalgar 1805 edition hundreds of high-quality parts: 14 sheets of basswood plywood cut by precision laser and 6 spectacular brass photo-etched sheets with parts such as lanterns, railings or details of the cannons. Also, 10 packs of strips and rods, and American oak veneer. All the blocks and beams for the rigging are prefabricated. Brass round dowels and brass tubes are also included.

What can we say about its sails! It has a huge amount of 18 pre-sewn sails made of cotton fabric – ready to be placed – and cotton threads of different colors and thicknesses. It comes with translucent acetates, nets and adhesive flags in textured fabric.

As a gift so that the model is perfectly displayed, wooden exhibition base with metal nominative plate.

And, even more, another bonus: 5 die-cast figurines!

Of course, you can also provide an extra realism to the faithful miniature replica, add the Set of 16 Metal Figures and Accessories for Spanish Navy (22901F), sold separately.

This kit represents its appearance and artillery correctly, the ones of the Battle of Trafalgar. In this sense, the figurehead of the archangel Saint Michael leads the ship. The highly detailed scale artillery includes photo-etched parts and includes the howitzers that the ship carried in Trafalgar. Included the boats to build in wood, very realistic.

MODEL SHIP SANTÍSIMA TRINIDAD: READY TO LIGHT UP

Do you still need to see more to get crazy thanks to the beauty of the new model of the Spanish vessel – ship of the line – Santisima Trinidad Trafalgar Edition 1805? No problem. The new model made by Artesanía Latina is prepared for illuminate, so do not hesitate to purchase -sold separately- our LED Lighting Set (27590). The modeler will be amazed by such beauty!

VERY DETAILED ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS AND DEMONSTRATION VIDEOS

Once the model ship Santisima Trinidad (22901) is built, this measures 46.88” -1191 mm- length, 35.62” -905 mm- height and 18.26” -464 mm- width. Its design using a false keel and frames brings its assembly closer to that of the real ship.

How to assemble it? The 3D modelers and designers at Artesanía Latina have created brand new instructions. You can appreciate the different stages of assembly with total clarity. In Spanish, French, Italian, English, German, Dutch and Russian. In addition, the naval modeling kit of the Spanish ship comes with several paper templates to make the construction process of the model easier. Among other functionalities, they serve to arrange the elements on the decks and to place the embrasures and other objects on the sides of the hull.

The wooden naval modeling kit of the Santisima Trinidad has a QR code in its box which will allow you to download the assembly guide for free with clarifying photographs – more than 800 pages on digital format, not on paper – at product sheet of our website. Does not contain printed instructions. Two printed posters are included: one with the 1:1 scale model – double-sided – and another with the parts list and sails identification.

Also, on our Youtube channel, you can watch 10 demonstration videos to help you through some of the most important steps.

We recommend you watch the video below to learn about some of the tools that can be super useful when you are assembling the model:

ACRYLIC PAINTS SET FOR SANTÍSIMA TRINIDAD

The modeling professionals at Artesanía Latina recommend the painting of the model ship Santisima Trinidad using its Specific Water-Based Acrylic Paints Set (277PACK30), sold separately. In this way, the result of the finished of the Spanish ship of the line will be much more realistic and visual. Quick drying, the paints of twelve different colors come in small 20 ml bottles. Featuring off white (x2), off black (x2), bright red, FS11136 red (x2), ice yellow, buff, cocoa brown, dark red leather and gold, your artwork of naval modeling will leave spechless anyone who sees it.

A LITTLE HISTORY OF THE SPANISH SHIP OF THE LINE SANTISIMA TRINIDAD

Launched in 1769, the Santisima Trinidad was one of the few four-decker ships of the line that existed. Despite this, it was not very effective due to its clumsy and slow navigation. Above all, its tragic end in the Battle of Trafalgar (October 21st, 1805) is remembered. On that occasion it was under the orders of the squad leader Baltasar Hidalgo de Cisneros, and with Francisco Javier de Uriarte y Borja as flag captain. After a tough fight, it was captured by the English in very bad conditions, with more than 200 dead and 100 wounded. The English put all their efforts into saving it and taking it to the English port of Gibraltar, being towed by the frigates HMS Naiad and HMS Phoebe. However, it would finally sink on October 24th about 25 or 26 miles south of Cádiz.

It now remains at the bottom of the sea. Its artillery parts were extracted and installed at the entrance to the Pantheon of Illustrious Sailors located in the Navy Non-Commissioned Officers School, in San Fernando (Cádiz). Now you have the opportunity, once again, to build a fundamental jewek of world naval history. Assemble this Trafalgar 1805 edition of the model ship Santisima Trinidad (22901).

Oh, don’t forget to accompany this impressive Spanish ship with its Captain’s Boat (19014), for sale separately. This way your ship of the line will look even more beautiful.

Then… Let’s build them at our modeling workshop!

Naval & Aviation History

Santa Ana in Trafalgar (II): The Spanish Naval Standard Bearer that Fought in the Battle against the English Fleet

Posted on October 27, 2022October 26, 2022 by Administrador DelBlog

We continue telling our modeler friends the history of a fundamental warship in its next journey. The time has come for the Spanish ship of the line Santa Ana in Trafalgar, the naval battle that pitted the Iberians against the English Navy. The Hispanic vessel departs from the Bay of Cádiz on October 20th 1805 to arrive at Trafalgar the next day.

Commanding the Santa Ana? Commander José de Gardoqui, with the help of Lieutenant General Ignacio María de Álava and a Franco-Spanish fleet led by Gallic Admiral Pierre-Charles Villeneuve and Lieutenant General Federico Gravina y Nápoli at the head of the ship Príncipe de Asturias. Of course, it should be noted that other important ships also accompany them. The vessels San Juan Nepomuceno with Cosme Damián de Churruca and Elorza, the Bahamas with Dionisio de Alcalá Galiano and the Santísima Trinidad with Baltasar Hidalgo de Cisneros. In addition, they are joined by numerous Spanish nobles and sailors.

SANTA ANA IN TRAFALGAR: DUEL AGAINST HMS ROYAL SOVEREIGN

The Santa Ana in Trafalgar maintains a historic duel against the British ship led by Vice Admiral Collingwood, the relevant HMS Royal Sovereign. It all begins during the morning of October 21st 1805, when the two fleets position themselves for the combat. In this sense, Admiral Pierre-Charles Villeneuve with the ship Bucentaure of 80 cannons lined up his ships to, in principle, avoid the confrontation. However, you must desist from maintaining the balance of peace. Two English naval formations in a line attack from the north and south. The famous 100-gun HMS Victory with Admiral Lord Horacio Nelson on deck and the other 100-gun Royal Sovereign with Vice Admiral Cuthbert Collingwood.

What are the first targets of the English? One, to divide the Franco-Spanish front into the vanguard and the center. The other, to separate the center from the rear. The Santa Ana in Trafalgar stands at the center of the battle line. It is then that he sees that the Royal Sovereign is approaching on his port side, so he decides to get out of formation to fight her. One of the greatest naval confrontations in history begins. They are the ones who light the fuse of the fight.

However, it is still not known for sure in which of the two warships shout fire first. Apparently, what is clear is that the Santa Ana in Trafalgar almost sank at the moment due to the fury and precision of the English guns. Other ships of the Spanish fleet become aware of the difficult situation that the Santa Ana ship of the line is going through and come to its aid.

CONSEQUENCES OF THE FIGHT IN TRAFALGAR BETWEEN SANTA ANA AND ROYAL SOVEREIGN

Consequences of all this? Huge damage to the Royal Sovereign that almost sank it when attacked from both flanks, although shortly after other English ships gave it a hand and she continued afloat. It is towed with deep difficulties to Gibraltar.

The Santa Ana in Trafalgar is left with extremely significant damage: the rudder is practically unusable, the stern almost does not exist and its decks are in broad daylight. The British take the ship, but the Spanish with the help of ship Rayo manage to raise their flag again. Known the terrible state of the ship, the French frigate Thetis tows it to Cádiz to fix itself. The La Carraca arsenal entered the dock on February 20th 1806, where it was completely repaired and even included a new copper lining. On December 9th Santa Ana is ready to sail again.

Human casualties? The battle of the Santa Ana in Trafalgar, unfortunately, led to the death of 97 crew members, in addition to injuring 141 more. Of course, this ship of the line stands as the first to manage to stop the English.

SAD END FOR A GIANT OF SPANISH AND WORLD NAVAL HISTORY

Beyond the Battle of Trafalgar, the Spanish ship of the line Santa Ana has little more life. Starting because in 1808, just at the beginning of the Spanish War of Independence, it was unable to participate in the confrontation and capture of Admiral Rosily’s Gallic squadron in Cádiz. Why? Because it is still being repaired in the arsenal, so a new naval tactical disappointment for Spain.

In August 1812, it sets sail for Havana, where it arrived in November together with the Prince of Asturias and the English Implacable in a pitiful state. Without drinking water or food, their crews arrive in a fatal state of health. The intention is to insure these ships during the war against the French, but the cost was very expensive.

In 1816, the Spanish warship sinks in the Havana arsenal due to lack of hull. Its maintenance work is zero. It is located in one of the parts of the port. As last services, the Santa Ana is destined to, at least, act as a pontoon and as a depot for sailors. As a curiosity, in 1834 you could still see the Santa Ana together with the Príncipe de Asturias, both sunk. It provided more than three decades of highly relevant service for Spain. The Santa Ana is a true naval icon.

WOODEN MODEL SHIP KIT SPANISH SHIP OF THE LINE SANTA ANA AT 1:84 SCALE

Relive the Battle of Trafalgar with us. Bring this Spanish naval bastion back to life by building the splendid wooden model of the Spanish ship of the line Santa Ana (22905-N). New and limited Trafalgar 1805 edition! Find out on these two videos!

Read the first part of the post…

Naval & Aviation History

Santa Ana Vessel History (I): The Pioneer Colossus of European Warships of Its Class

Posted on October 20, 2022October 28, 2022 by Administrador DelBlog

We are lucky and our elite modelers friends too. You already know that we have manufactured a new edition of a very famous Spanish ship of the line: the so-called ‘Trafalgar 1805’. Let’s get to know, then, the relevant history of Santa Ana vessel in order to have a better perspective of what this great ship was like before assembling its splendid model ship in wood at 1:84 scale.

HISTORY OF SANTA ANA VESSEL: DIMENSIONS

The Santa Ana was a Spanish ship of the line equipped with 112 cannons that was part of the glorious Spanish Armada. Of course, in the Battle of Trafalgar it was armed with 104 cannons and 32 howitzers, but… What were its measures? It had a length of 213.4 feet and a beam of 58 feet, in addition to a total weight of more than two tons. To build it, the plans of the Navy engineer José Romero Fernández de Landa were taken as an example. This, in turn, was based on how another ship of the line was created: the Purísima Concepción. In this case, the one who would direct the construction of the Santa Ana would be Miguel de la Puente, using the aforementioned guidelines, with the engineers Sánchez Bort and Tomás Muñoz.

The beautiful Santa Ana sailboat was erected as one of the pioneering ships with three decks called ‘Meregildos’. In this very special group of ships, there were also another seven that were born later as Príncipe de Asturias, Mejicano, Reina María Luisa, Conde de Regla, Salvador del Mundo, Real Carlos and San Hermenegildo. All were built based on the Santa Ana by Royal Order of 1786.

HISTORY OF SANTA ANA VESSEL: FEATURES

Its characteristics? Huge decks, great maneuverability, a strong military muscle thanks to its numerous cannons and a great resistance capacity against the attacks of the sea and enemies. It carried three masts with square sails and two or three artillery decks. It even had lightning rods and metal chains! If one fell, the system channeled the electrical discharge to the sea.

The history of the Santa Ana vessel shows it as one of the best. He created a new way of fighting in those times that would be essential for the Navy. The different ships lined up one behind the other to create an artillery front that fired at the same time. Although the Santa Ana was launched in 1784, even years later it still underwent some improvements.

The Santa Ana and her naval brothers became the best warships on the European continent. It was a ‘sea monster’. Their crew? 745 sailors on its three decks, as a warship. When a conflict broke out, it was increased to 1,050. And, in the Battle of Trafalgar, it was up to 1,102. Of course, the largest of the ships of the line would finally be Nuestra Señora de la Santísima Trinidad, called ‘El Escorial de los Mares’.

INITIAL MARITIME JOURNEYS OF THE SHIP OF THE LINE

The history of the Santa Ana vessel begins in 1785 with Commander Félix de Tejada at the helm to make its first voyage, its first test. The maritime route began in El Ferrol and ended in Cádiz. He realizes that, even though it is very resistant in the worst navigation conditions, certain improvements must be made to the rigging and he opens the third La Carraca breakwater a year later.

In July 1797, the ship of the line Santa Ana begins to forge its legend. Admiral Jervis and Rear Admiral Nelson of the British Royal Navy attempt to storm Cádiz. And that is where sixteen gunboats are positioned between Rota, La Caleta (gate of Seville) and Sancti Petri, and an additional fifteen at the mouth of the port. Thus, they support the warship and reject the English under the orders of José de Mazarredo. Of course, the blockade and the British presence is repeated more times.

In February 1798, the Santa Ana resumed its maritime voyage with Mazarredo’s squadron. Twenty-two ships, five frigates and three brigantines to pursue the British fleet, made up of only 9 ships and several frigates. This withdrew towards San Vicente, while the Spanish squadron, failing to catch up with them, entered Cádiz again on the 13th. Jervis appeared four days later with twenty-two ships and six frigates to resume the blockade.

HISTORY OF SANTA ANA VESSEL: FIRST SETBACKS

Commander Baltasar Hidalgo de Cisneros took command in July 1799, aided by Lieutenant General Grandallana, campaigning in the Mediterranean and the Gulf of Cadiz. However, anecdotally, he was stranded shortly after starting his journey towards Brest together with the French fleet.

What happens then? That the Spanish warship is forced to return to the port of the Andalusian city to disarm and repair itself. A great setback for Spain for which Hidalgo de Cisneros is tried in court martial, although he is totally acquitted at the end of the process. Just before the Battle of Trafalgar, in which we will deepen in the next post, the history of the ship Santa Ana joins the captaincy of Alcalá Galiano between 1803 and 1804.

In the meantime, you can read more about the Santa Ana Line Ship Wooden Model (22905-N) and you can order it at this other link. Be amazed by its beauty and go ahead and build it!

Read the second part of the post…