La Flore by Sargon - Constructo - French Frigate - ex La Vestale , 1756-1798

[Sargon]

Hello Everyone!

 

This is my first wooden ship model, the French 8-pounder Frigate La Flore. The kit is manufactured by Constructo of Spain. I would say the directions are fairly straightforward, and there are plenty of pictures in the booklet provided to help one build a beautiful model ship.

 

This particular model is a very fascinating model of a real ship that served many masters, and sailed many seas... 

 

She was a member of the 32-gun Blonde Class 8-pounder frigates, and was built in 1756. She served the navy of Louis XV well, until being captured in 1761 by the English.

Once captured, she was taken into the Royal navy as "HMS FLORA" and her main armament was upgraded to 12-pounders. She served the Royal Navy well for over a decade and a half, before being caught up in the American Revolutionary War where she was scuttled and burnt at Rhode Island by the  British to prevent her imminent capture by superior French forces.

 

This would not be the end of the vessel, however, as the Americans refloated her, repaired her, and sent her back to France after the conclusion of the war, where she was sold to the French Royal Navy under Louis XVI, as "Flore Americaine" in 1784. Shortly after, she was re-rated as a "Corvette" and her armament of 12-pounders reverted back to the earlier 8-pounders she carried prior to British service. 

 

Finally, she was sold out of the service in 1791, and purchased as a Privateer in 1793, renamed "Citoyenne Française"... She was returned briefly to the French Royal Navy in 1795, and then returned to her owner as the renamed Privateer "Flore", where she was finally captured by HMS Anson and HMS Phaeton, but not added to the Royal navy, and was instead Broken up, ending a career spanning over 40 years, and sailing the Seven Seas.... 

 

Here are the first images, I hope you will all enjoy, and offer your suggestions and constructive...

 

I hope you all enjoy! I appreciate all feedback, suggestions, and constructive criticisms btw , thanks!!  Sargon

[Sargon]

Circle of Thomas Luny (British, 1759-1837)

H.M.S. 'Iris' dismasted by the French frigate 'Citoyenne-Francaise', 13th. May, 1793 
oil on canvas
49 x 68.6cm. (19 1/4 x 27in. )

FOOTNOTES

• Although it ended indecisively, the action between H.M.S. 'Iris' and the French frigate 'Citoyenne-Francaise' is of some importance as it was the first sea fight of the French Revolutionary Wars. On 13th. May 1793, the 32-gun frigate H.M.S. 'Iris' was cruising 200 miles west of Cape Finisterre when she sighted the larger French frigate 'Citoyenne-Francaise' and gave chase. Both vessels opened fire at 6.30 p.m. and a furious engagement lasting one-and-a-half hours ensued until the Frenchman turned away at 8 p.m. Practically dismasted, 'Iris' was unable to pursue the enemy vessel which escaped into Bordeaux whilst 'Iris' herself eventually made Gibralter where she was repaired and refitted.

[aviaamator]

The picture is beautiful, and the model is not very good, alas...

[Fright]

I'm impressed on choosing this ship for your 1st wooden ship. Take your time and this should leave port as a seaworthy ship! Cheers!

[Old Collingwood]

36 minutes ago, aviaamator said:

The picture is beautiful, and the model is not very good, alas...

Any kit is achievable  patience and time and  most important  - enjoying it.

 

OC.

[Sargon]

4 hours ago, aviaamator said:

The picture is beautiful, and the model is not very good, alas...

Thanks Aviaamator!  As I mentioned, this is my first model, I'm not expecting perfection, but I bet your first model wasn't exactly, how do you say? Museum Quality?  

 

3 hours ago, Fright said:

I'm impressed on choosing this ship for your 1st wooden ship. Take your time and this should leave port as a seaworthy ship! Cheers!

Thanks Fright! I've always been a fan of the frigates, privateers, and pirate vessels. I appreciate the kind advice! We'll get her out of port seaworthy and pretty

3 hours ago, Old Collingwood said:

Any kit is achievable  patience and time and  most important  - enjoying it.

 

OC.

Thanks OC, I'm having a great time, and learning alot from my mistakes and successes. It's great meeting you, and enjoying the journey

[Old Collingwood]

If by having a look at my build (as I too am building a 18th century  Frigate)  it would be an honour  and if you cane get any tips from by build - that would be great.

 

 

 

 

OC.

[Sargon]

4 hours ago, Old Collingwood said:

If by having a look at my build (as I too am building a 18th century  Frigate)  it would be an honour  and if you cane get any tips from by build - that would be great.

 

 

 

 

OC.

The Honor is MINE Old Collingwood

 

I thank you very much! I started following your Greyhound. She sure is a fine ship, if I may be so bold. There's something about the earlier period of the 18th century that is so attractive in regards to these lovely vessels... Wouldn't you say?

SARGON

[aviaamator]

Here it is:

[aviaamator]

And in my Blog you can see...

[Sargon]

On 4/8/2018 at 5:35 AM, aviaamator said:

Here it is:

WOW! Now THAT IS BEAUTIFUL!!!  

 

Thank you my friend for sharing this beautiful delight!! 

 

SARGON

[Sargon]

Hello Everyone! Been ill a few days, but wanted to update on the progress... 

 

I must admit, my first post did have tons of gaps, nailheads everywhere , etc

 

But thank GOD, wood is very forgiving... I've sanded the model quite a bit now, and its still a work in progress, but I feel like the Black Prince, Machiavelli once said... "The ends justify the means".. I feel with hard work, and correcting the mistakes, I can get this model to look respectable, and even beautiful... with your advice, and help as well.. which is greatly appreciated...

 

a SMALL update:

 

I hope everyone is well...  Your friend

Sargon