Kevin

Conclusion
The kit is classed by Occre as high difficulty with a build time of 800 hours, personally i don't think she deserves that level of difficulty and i measure the time it takes to complete in months not hours, so once i start i would suggest about 9 months on the build table, based on 2 to 3 hours daily
Shame to see no deck camber yet again, i will attempt to correct this
single planked with a veneer covering, i would prefer double planking, and may address this, although the provided wood looks ok
sails provided look good, the rigging thread, i will replace
the 1/4 galleries, im unsure about, unless they are generic, they would have been better in wood, with PE overlays IMHO
all in all i think for the price there is a lot of kit for the money, and will make a nice addition to anyone wanting a non British post Nelson sailing vessel, im looking forward to building her
 
update 7 june 2024
a lack of copper tape or tiles, to allow the builder the choice of finish, this vessel would certainly have been protected, link to museum a display provided by @wefalckhttps://www.maritima-et-mechanika.org/maritime/models/bellepoule/bellepoule.html
 
i would like to thank Occre for the donation of the kit for review and @James H 
 

Instructions
nice to see we have a fully detailed instruction book off over 30 pages in A3 size, i notice a lot of of companies are cutting down on these to save the planet, but very limiting when you dont have easy access to the internet
here are a few pages from the said book, there is also s step by step videos on YouTube 
 
a link to all videos (2) Barco Belle Poule - Paso a paso - OcCre - YouTube
 
 
 

the next booklet is a full cutting list parts identification and more detailed instructions on achieving what the photos show in the book, as well as rigging plans
 

Photo Etch
4 heavy gauge sheets, comprising, of chain plates gun port hinges, windows, doors and railings, 

Fittings
again its pleasant to see some detail without a lot of clean up being required, there are a few seam lines, but in most cases hidden from view
this is the figurehead, i think some homework is required to find out what it is meant to be

1/4 galleries, don't think i have worked with metal ones before, the detail is quite crisp, im sure some dry brushing will bring out the detail
 

the anchors are nice a clean, but to me they look a little over scale

a small selection of the ships teeth

cannon balls

lots of metal strips to help make up chain plates

trays also contain all the rest of the required bits 


 
rigging thread and sails
lots of thread is provided in various sizes and two colours natural and brown, this does not look so fluffy as my last build, but i personally will be replacing the brown with black
a full set of sails comes as standard, i cannot tell you at this time if they are in scale to the build, but they look very well made indeed, i may use these to achieve my first ever rigged vessel with sheets set
 
 

Conclusion
The kit is classed by Occre as high difficulty with a build time of 800 hours, personally i don't think she deserves that level of difficulty and i measure the time it takes to complete in months not hours, so once i start i would suggest about 9 months on the build table, based on 2 to 3 hours daily
Shame to see no deck camber yet again, i will attempt to correct this
single planked with a veneer covering, i would prefer double planking, and may address this, although the provided wood looks ok
sails provided look good, the rigging thread, i will replace
the 1/4 galleries, im unsure about, unless they are generic, they would have been better in wood, with PE overlays IMHO
all in all i think for the price there is a lot of kit for the money, and will make a nice addition to anyone wanting a non British post Nelson sailing vessel, im looking forward to building her
 
update 7 june 2024
a lack of copper tape or tiles, to allow the builder the choice of finish, this vessel would certainly have been protected, link to museum a display provided by @wefalckhttps://www.maritima-et-mechanika.org/maritime/models/bellepoule/bellepoule.html
 
i would like to thank Occre for the donation of the kit for review and @James H 
 

Instructions
nice to see we have a fully detailed instruction book off over 30 pages in A3 size, i notice a lot of of companies are cutting down on these to save the planet, but very limiting when you dont have easy access to the internet
here are a few pages from the said book, there is also s step by step videos on YouTube 
 
a link to all videos (2) Barco Belle Poule - Paso a paso - OcCre - YouTube
 
 
 

the next booklet is a full cutting list parts identification and more detailed instructions on achieving what the photos show in the book, as well as rigging plans
 

Photo Etch
4 heavy gauge sheets, comprising, of chain plates gun port hinges, windows, doors and railings, 

Fittings
again its pleasant to see some detail without a lot of clean up being required, there are a few seam lines, but in most cases hidden from view
this is the figurehead, i think some homework is required to find out what it is meant to be

1/4 galleries, don't think i have worked with metal ones before, the detail is quite crisp, im sure some dry brushing will bring out the detail
 

the anchors are nice a clean, but to me they look a little over scale

a small selection of the ships teeth

cannon balls

lots of metal strips to help make up chain plates

trays also contain all the rest of the required bits 


 
rigging thread and sails
lots of thread is provided in various sizes and two colours natural and brown, this does not look so fluffy as my last build, but i personally will be replacing the brown with black
a full set of sails comes as standard, i cannot tell you at this time if they are in scale to the build, but they look very well made indeed, i may use these to achieve my first ever rigged vessel with sheets set
 
 

By the end of this year hopefully

Conclusion
The kit is classed by Occre as high difficulty with a build time of 800 hours, personally i don't think she deserves that level of difficulty and i measure the time it takes to complete in months not hours, so once i start i would suggest about 9 months on the build table, based on 2 to 3 hours daily
Shame to see no deck camber yet again, i will attempt to correct this
single planked with a veneer covering, i would prefer double planking, and may address this, although the provided wood looks ok
sails provided look good, the rigging thread, i will replace
the 1/4 galleries, im unsure about, unless they are generic, they would have been better in wood, with PE overlays IMHO
all in all i think for the price there is a lot of kit for the money, and will make a nice addition to anyone wanting a non British post Nelson sailing vessel, im looking forward to building her
 
update 7 june 2024
a lack of copper tape or tiles, to allow the builder the choice of finish, this vessel would certainly have been protected, link to museum a display provided by @wefalckhttps://www.maritima-et-mechanika.org/maritime/models/bellepoule/bellepoule.html
 
i would like to thank Occre for the donation of the kit for review and @James H 
 

Conclusion
The kit is classed by Occre as high difficulty with a build time of 800 hours, personally i don't think she deserves that level of difficulty and i measure the time it takes to complete in months not hours, so once i start i would suggest about 9 months on the build table, based on 2 to 3 hours daily
Shame to see no deck camber yet again, i will attempt to correct this
single planked with a veneer covering, i would prefer double planking, and may address this, although the provided wood looks ok
sails provided look good, the rigging thread, i will replace
the 1/4 galleries, im unsure about, unless they are generic, they would have been better in wood, with PE overlays IMHO
all in all i think for the price there is a lot of kit for the money, and will make a nice addition to anyone wanting a non British post Nelson sailing vessel, im looking forward to building her
 
update 7 june 2024
a lack of copper tape or tiles, to allow the builder the choice of finish, this vessel would certainly have been protected, link to museum a display provided by @wefalckhttps://www.maritima-et-mechanika.org/maritime/models/bellepoule/bellepoule.html
 
i would like to thank Occre for the donation of the kit for review and @James H 
 

Yard Manufacture
Over the last few days I have been shaping and then adding the various PE parts, cleats and footropes to all the remaining yards. The only task now remaining, before installation to the masts will be to paint the yards black. Please see the following set of photos.
 
Driver Gaff
This was an interesting dowel to shape. There are two flying lead blocks and a couple of blocks secured to the driver gaff via eyebolts,


Driver Boom
There was not a great deal of shaping required for the driver boom. The most time consuming task was to make the knotted footrope.

Mizzen Topgallant Yard
This was a nice simple yard to make with a central section which tapers down to each end. 

Mizzen Topsail Yard
I had a bit of a brain fart when adding the footrope stirrups and initially drilled the holes in the wrong place, as you will see in the attached photos where these holes have been filled. I will adjust the position of a couple of the footrope stirrups so they are vertically aligned.

Crossyard Jack
I had the same brain fart with regards to drilling to stirrup holes. I will also need adjust the position of a couple of the footrope stirrups so they are vertically aligned.

Main Topsail Yard

I did add thin planking trips to the central octagonal section.

Main Yard

 
I did add thin planking trips to the central octagonal section.

Conclusion
The kit is classed by Occre as high difficulty with a build time of 800 hours, personally i don't think she deserves that level of difficulty and i measure the time it takes to complete in months not hours, so once i start i would suggest about 9 months on the build table, based on 2 to 3 hours daily
Shame to see no deck camber yet again, i will attempt to correct this
single planked with a veneer covering, i would prefer double planking, and may address this, although the provided wood looks ok
sails provided look good, the rigging thread, i will replace
the 1/4 galleries, im unsure about, unless they are generic, they would have been better in wood, with PE overlays IMHO
all in all i think for the price there is a lot of kit for the money, and will make a nice addition to anyone wanting a non British post Nelson sailing vessel, im looking forward to building her
 
update 7 june 2024
a lack of copper tape or tiles, to allow the builder the choice of finish, this vessel would certainly have been protected, link to museum a display provided by @wefalckhttps://www.maritima-et-mechanika.org/maritime/models/bellepoule/bellepoule.html
 
i would like to thank Occre for the donation of the kit for review and @James H 
 

Instructions
nice to see we have a fully detailed instruction book off over 30 pages in A3 size, i notice a lot of of companies are cutting down on these to save the planet, but very limiting when you dont have easy access to the internet
here are a few pages from the said book, there is also s step by step videos on YouTube 
 
a link to all videos (2) Barco Belle Poule - Paso a paso - OcCre - YouTube
 
 
 

the next booklet is a full cutting list parts identification and more detailed instructions on achieving what the photos show in the book, as well as rigging plans
 

Conclusion
The kit is classed by Occre as high difficulty with a build time of 800 hours, personally i don't think she deserves that level of difficulty and i measure the time it takes to complete in months not hours, so once i start i would suggest about 9 months on the build table, based on 2 to 3 hours daily
Shame to see no deck camber yet again, i will attempt to correct this
single planked with a veneer covering, i would prefer double planking, and may address this, although the provided wood looks ok
sails provided look good, the rigging thread, i will replace
the 1/4 galleries, im unsure about, unless they are generic, they would have been better in wood, with PE overlays IMHO
all in all i think for the price there is a lot of kit for the money, and will make a nice addition to anyone wanting a non British post Nelson sailing vessel, im looking forward to building her
 
update 7 june 2024
a lack of copper tape or tiles, to allow the builder the choice of finish, this vessel would certainly have been protected, link to museum a display provided by @wefalckhttps://www.maritima-et-mechanika.org/maritime/models/bellepoule/bellepoule.html
 
i would like to thank Occre for the donation of the kit for review and @James H 
 

Instructions
nice to see we have a fully detailed instruction book off over 30 pages in A3 size, i notice a lot of of companies are cutting down on these to save the planet, but very limiting when you dont have easy access to the internet
here are a few pages from the said book, there is also s step by step videos on YouTube 
 
a link to all videos (2) Barco Belle Poule - Paso a paso - OcCre - YouTube
 
 
 

the next booklet is a full cutting list parts identification and more detailed instructions on achieving what the photos show in the book, as well as rigging plans
 

Photo Etch
4 heavy gauge sheets, comprising, of chain plates gun port hinges, windows, doors and railings, 

Fittings
again its pleasant to see some detail without a lot of clean up being required, there are a few seam lines, but in most cases hidden from view
this is the figurehead, i think some homework is required to find out what it is meant to be

1/4 galleries, don't think i have worked with metal ones before, the detail is quite crisp, im sure some dry brushing will bring out the detail
 

the anchors are nice a clean, but to me they look a little over scale

a small selection of the ships teeth

cannon balls

lots of metal strips to help make up chain plates

trays also contain all the rest of the required bits 


 
rigging thread and sails
lots of thread is provided in various sizes and two colours natural and brown, this does not look so fluffy as my last build, but i personally will be replacing the brown with black
a full set of sails comes as standard, i cannot tell you at this time if they are in scale to the build, but they look very well made indeed, i may use these to achieve my first ever rigged vessel with sheets set
 
 

The kit 
Scale: 1/90
Width: 385mm
Height: 765mm
Length: 1085mm
Difficulty: Medium
Number of pieces: +6,600
 
First impressions were wow, there is a lot of kit for the money, in what is quite a heavy box. like a lot of Occre kits the package is similar to others in the range, a simple folded base keeps everything in place with a generic coloured lid with a pasted photo of the build, having said that one of the plastic cases had been damaged, allowing some of the contents to be loose, but everything was accounted for, this was not caused in transit as noting was around it to do that sort of damage

wood package
the wood stock provided has been cut well with no splintering, for me the veneer is the best i have seen in a kit, although its a long time since i purchased a kit with it contained
bulkheads are plywood,
 lime for first planking
sapelli veneer for the outer hull
sycamore decking
and a variety for the rest

it would be nice if some of the wood stock could be identified rather than bundled together
 
The rest of the wood package is lasered stock and the lines are very clean with very little scorching on either side
its nice to see the wooden boats enclosed rather than the metal ones
 
However no deck camber has been built into the kit, i think this applies to all Occre vessels. including the new release HMS Victory i will try and raise the centre line when it comes to building this, i just need to work out what else would need to be changed like hatch coamings, skylights 
 


 
 
 

1:90 Belle Poule
OcCre
Catalogue # 15007
Available from OcCre for 449,99€
 
The "Belle Poule" was a 60-gun French Navy frigate. Frigates were versatile and fast warships designed for speed and manoeuvrability, performing roles in both combat and exploration. Frigates like the "Belle Poule", were known for their speed and manoeuvrability, making them ideal for a variety of tasks, including pursuing and attacking enemy vessels, as well as for exploration and patrol missions.
 
Although its construction began in 1828, the Belle Poule was not launched until 1834. It was one of the first ships to be built in a covered shipyard, allowing builders to delay construction when political and financial circumstances were unfavourable. Its design was inspired by the USS Constitution frigate class. It was commissioned in July 1835 and displayed quite good sailing properties. What really made this ship "Belle Poule" famous was the repatriation of Napoleon's ashes aboard the Belle Poule from the island of Saint Helena to France. An event that will be remembered as it marked the end of the Napoleonic era and left a significant impact on the course of the history of France and Europe.
 

 

Photo Etch
4 heavy gauge sheets, comprising, of chain plates gun port hinges, windows, doors and railings, 

Fittings
again its pleasant to see some detail without a lot of clean up being required, there are a few seam lines, but in most cases hidden from view
this is the figurehead, i think some homework is required to find out what it is meant to be

1/4 galleries, don't think i have worked with metal ones before, the detail is quite crisp, im sure some dry brushing will bring out the detail
 

the anchors are nice a clean, but to me they look a little over scale

a small selection of the ships teeth

cannon balls

lots of metal strips to help make up chain plates

trays also contain all the rest of the required bits 


 
rigging thread and sails
lots of thread is provided in various sizes and two colours natural and brown, this does not look so fluffy as my last build, but i personally will be replacing the brown with black
a full set of sails comes as standard, i cannot tell you at this time if they are in scale to the build, but they look very well made indeed, i may use these to achieve my first ever rigged vessel with sheets set
 
 

The kit 
Scale: 1/90
Width: 385mm
Height: 765mm
Length: 1085mm
Difficulty: Medium
Number of pieces: +6,600
 
First impressions were wow, there is a lot of kit for the money, in what is quite a heavy box. like a lot of Occre kits the package is similar to others in the range, a simple folded base keeps everything in place with a generic coloured lid with a pasted photo of the build, having said that one of the plastic cases had been damaged, allowing some of the contents to be loose, but everything was accounted for, this was not caused in transit as noting was around it to do that sort of damage

wood package
the wood stock provided has been cut well with no splintering, for me the veneer is the best i have seen in a kit, although its a long time since i purchased a kit with it contained
bulkheads are plywood,
 lime for first planking
sapelli veneer for the outer hull
sycamore decking
and a variety for the rest

it would be nice if some of the wood stock could be identified rather than bundled together
 
The rest of the wood package is lasered stock and the lines are very clean with very little scorching on either side
its nice to see the wooden boats enclosed rather than the metal ones
 
However no deck camber has been built into the kit, i think this applies to all Occre vessels. including the new release HMS Victory i will try and raise the centre line when it comes to building this, i just need to work out what else would need to be changed like hatch coamings, skylights 
 


 
 
 

1:90 Belle Poule
OcCre
Catalogue # 15007
Available from OcCre for 449,99€
 
The "Belle Poule" was a 60-gun French Navy frigate. Frigates were versatile and fast warships designed for speed and manoeuvrability, performing roles in both combat and exploration. Frigates like the "Belle Poule", were known for their speed and manoeuvrability, making them ideal for a variety of tasks, including pursuing and attacking enemy vessels, as well as for exploration and patrol missions.
 
Although its construction began in 1828, the Belle Poule was not launched until 1834. It was one of the first ships to be built in a covered shipyard, allowing builders to delay construction when political and financial circumstances were unfavourable. Its design was inspired by the USS Constitution frigate class. It was commissioned in July 1835 and displayed quite good sailing properties. What really made this ship "Belle Poule" famous was the repatriation of Napoleon's ashes aboard the Belle Poule from the island of Saint Helena to France. An event that will be remembered as it marked the end of the Napoleonic era and left a significant impact on the course of the history of France and Europe.
 

 

Photo Etch
4 heavy gauge sheets, comprising, of chain plates gun port hinges, windows, doors and railings, 

Fittings
again its pleasant to see some detail without a lot of clean up being required, there are a few seam lines, but in most cases hidden from view
this is the figurehead, i think some homework is required to find out what it is meant to be

1/4 galleries, don't think i have worked with metal ones before, the detail is quite crisp, im sure some dry brushing will bring out the detail
 

the anchors are nice a clean, but to me they look a little over scale

a small selection of the ships teeth

cannon balls

lots of metal strips to help make up chain plates

trays also contain all the rest of the required bits 


 
rigging thread and sails
lots of thread is provided in various sizes and two colours natural and brown, this does not look so fluffy as my last build, but i personally will be replacing the brown with black
a full set of sails comes as standard, i cannot tell you at this time if they are in scale to the build, but they look very well made indeed, i may use these to achieve my first ever rigged vessel with sheets set
 
 

The kit 
Scale: 1/90
Width: 385mm
Height: 765mm
Length: 1085mm
Difficulty: Medium
Number of pieces: +6,600
 
First impressions were wow, there is a lot of kit for the money, in what is quite a heavy box. like a lot of Occre kits the package is similar to others in the range, a simple folded base keeps everything in place with a generic coloured lid with a pasted photo of the build, having said that one of the plastic cases had been damaged, allowing some of the contents to be loose, but everything was accounted for, this was not caused in transit as noting was around it to do that sort of damage

wood package
the wood stock provided has been cut well with no splintering, for me the veneer is the best i have seen in a kit, although its a long time since i purchased a kit with it contained
bulkheads are plywood,
 lime for first planking
sapelli veneer for the outer hull
sycamore decking
and a variety for the rest

it would be nice if some of the wood stock could be identified rather than bundled together
 
The rest of the wood package is lasered stock and the lines are very clean with very little scorching on either side
its nice to see the wooden boats enclosed rather than the metal ones
 
However no deck camber has been built into the kit, i think this applies to all Occre vessels. including the new release HMS Victory i will try and raise the centre line when it comes to building this, i just need to work out what else would need to be changed like hatch coamings, skylights 
 


 
 
 

1:90 Belle Poule
OcCre
Catalogue # 15007
Available from OcCre for 449,99€
 
The "Belle Poule" was a 60-gun French Navy frigate. Frigates were versatile and fast warships designed for speed and manoeuvrability, performing roles in both combat and exploration. Frigates like the "Belle Poule", were known for their speed and manoeuvrability, making them ideal for a variety of tasks, including pursuing and attacking enemy vessels, as well as for exploration and patrol missions.
 
Although its construction began in 1828, the Belle Poule was not launched until 1834. It was one of the first ships to be built in a covered shipyard, allowing builders to delay construction when political and financial circumstances were unfavourable. Its design was inspired by the USS Constitution frigate class. It was commissioned in July 1835 and displayed quite good sailing properties. What really made this ship "Belle Poule" famous was the repatriation of Napoleon's ashes aboard the Belle Poule from the island of Saint Helena to France. An event that will be remembered as it marked the end of the Napoleonic era and left a significant impact on the course of the history of France and Europe.
 

 

Photo Etch
4 heavy gauge sheets, comprising, of chain plates gun port hinges, windows, doors and railings, 

Fittings
again its pleasant to see some detail without a lot of clean up being required, there are a few seam lines, but in most cases hidden from view
this is the figurehead, i think some homework is required to find out what it is meant to be

1/4 galleries, don't think i have worked with metal ones before, the detail is quite crisp, im sure some dry brushing will bring out the detail
 

the anchors are nice a clean, but to me they look a little over scale

a small selection of the ships teeth

cannon balls

lots of metal strips to help make up chain plates

trays also contain all the rest of the required bits 


 
rigging thread and sails
lots of thread is provided in various sizes and two colours natural and brown, this does not look so fluffy as my last build, but i personally will be replacing the brown with black
a full set of sails comes as standard, i cannot tell you at this time if they are in scale to the build, but they look very well made indeed, i may use these to achieve my first ever rigged vessel with sheets set
 
 

The kit 
Scale: 1/90
Width: 385mm
Height: 765mm
Length: 1085mm
Difficulty: Medium
Number of pieces: +6,600
 
First impressions were wow, there is a lot of kit for the money, in what is quite a heavy box. like a lot of Occre kits the package is similar to others in the range, a simple folded base keeps everything in place with a generic coloured lid with a pasted photo of the build, having said that one of the plastic cases had been damaged, allowing some of the contents to be loose, but everything was accounted for, this was not caused in transit as noting was around it to do that sort of damage

wood package
the wood stock provided has been cut well with no splintering, for me the veneer is the best i have seen in a kit, although its a long time since i purchased a kit with it contained
bulkheads are plywood,
 lime for first planking
sapelli veneer for the outer hull
sycamore decking
and a variety for the rest

it would be nice if some of the wood stock could be identified rather than bundled together
 
The rest of the wood package is lasered stock and the lines are very clean with very little scorching on either side
its nice to see the wooden boats enclosed rather than the metal ones
 
However no deck camber has been built into the kit, i think this applies to all Occre vessels. including the new release HMS Victory i will try and raise the centre line when it comes to building this, i just need to work out what else would need to be changed like hatch coamings, skylights