About the San Felipe wooden scale Model Ship

This model ship of the San Felipe was custom built from the following information:

• The original construction drawings.

About the construction of the San Felipe wooden scale Model Ship

• The hull is built using the Double Plank-on-Bulkhead construction method
• The bulkheads and keel are cut from marine grade pine plywood
• The first layer of planking is done plank by plank using Mahogany planks
• The second layer of planking is done using Mahogany Veneer strips
• The deck is made of Anagre, a light brown timber from the Amazon
• The gunwale and stringers are made of American Walnut
• The fife rails and pin racks are made of American Walnut
• The deckhouses and gangways are made of Teak
• The masts and yards are made of Mahogany dowels
• The sails and ropes are made of linen
• The model is painted with acrylic paint
• The ornaments are cold cast in bronze and painted

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History of the San Felipe

The San Felipe was a Spanish Battleship launched in 1690, with an armament of 96 cannons. The San Felipe was one of the most beautiful and formidable ships of the 17^th century.

San Felipe’s main task was to protect Spanish settlements and harbors against the British and French. The San Felipe also had to transport treasures and safeguard the passage back to Spanish ports.

The San Felipe is well known for her heroic battle during the War of the Spanish succession in 1705 with 12 Spanish ships against 35 British ships.

The San Felipe was captured by the British but was so badly damaged that they could not salvage her. She went to the bottom with several tons of Gold.

The battle was considered a victory for Spain and 9 British and only 4 Spanish ships were lost. San Felipe, herself sunk 2 ship-of-the-lines, and 1 frigate. This record still stands as of today.

Member of The Nautical Research Guild