The Spanish Armada or “Great/Grand Armada” (Old Spanish: Grande y Felicísima Armada, “arge and most fortunate fleet”; but called by the English, with ironic intention, la Armada Invencible, “the Invincible Fleet”) refers to the Spanish-controlled fleet which sailed against England in 1588, with the intention of escorting an invading army across the English Channel. The largest fleet up until its time, it was sent by the Catholic King Philip II of Spain in 1588 in a failed attempt to bring an end to the conflict with England, and was the largest campaign of the undeclared Anglo-Spanish War. The Spanish fleet, which consisted of more than 130 warships and converted merchant ships, was not entirely defeated by the English Navy but was scattered by an English fire-ship attack in the Battle of Gravelines in the English Channel off the coast of France, and then forced to flee back to Spain by circumnavigating Great Britain and Ireland. The rigors of the weather endured during the long journey home, combined with the dangers of traveling in unfamiliar waters, decimated the fleet. The defeat of the Spanish Armada is one of the most famous episodes in English history.
San Mateo was a Spanish galleon. Galleons were in use from the 16th to the early 18th centuries, was the most important sailing ship of the time. A high superstructure made it seem large and powerful, but in reality it had poor sailing qualities. Many Spanish admirals owned entire fleets of galleons and hired them out to the crown. Called the "Indies Run Fleet" they protected the treasure fleet bringing riches form the West Indies. The 800 ton San Mateo is a typical example of these private warships.
San Mateo kit by Constructo features plank-on-bulkhead construction using pre-cut plywood keel and frames. The hull is planked with flexible walnut strips, accented with beautifully grained dark mahogany and light yellow boxwood trim. Deck planking is tanganyka with mahogany deck furnishings. Ready-to-use wooden fittings include two sizes of boxwood blocks, deadeyes and belaying pins. White metal anchors and gilded metal gunports are just a few of the metal fittings provided. Ornamentation consists of elaborately detailed gilded metal doors and window plus white metal shields covered with colorful decals. Sixteen machine turned brass cannon provide fire power. Printed cotton sail material, silk screened flags, dark standing and light running rigging let you rig your model just like the original.
Intermediate Skill Level.
Length 32" / Height 26-1/3" / Scale 1:90
Please note: The manufacturer of this wood kit is based in Spain.
Although complete plans and instructions are included, the limited English instructions
provided require critical thinking and some modification as needed.
This is not a build by numbers kit, and is not for everyone. Additional technique books, and or
access to the advice of an experienced wood modeler or wood model club is
recommended.
To see other wood model ship kits: please click
here.For tools, books, & glue: please click
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