Model frigate Belle Poule 1-90 - OcCre "The Return of the Ashes"

Key Points to Remember about the Belle Poule Model

This wooden ship model combines demanding construction with an important subject from French maritime history.

The provided elements and assembly supports help organize work on the different parts of the ship.

• Scale 1/90 and 6,630 pieces to assemble.

• Sails and construction support included.

• Nameplate, video tutorials, HD photos, and instructions in five languages.

• Advanced difficulty level and estimated assembly time of 800 hours.

The Belle Poule, a French Frigate Linked to Napoleon

Launched in Cherbourg in 1834, the Belle Poule was a French Navy frigate armed with 60 cannons.

This ship is best known for its 1840 mission: under the command of Prince de Joinville, it sailed to Saint Helena to repatriate the remains of Napoleon Bonaparte, who died in 1821.

The return of the ashes was a significant event in French history.

The OcCre model recreates this vessel on a 1/90 scale.

Its subject will interest enthusiasts of sailing ships, 19th-century warships, and historical modeling.

The model's length and rigging provide a construction project that requires precision, especially for finishes and setting up textile elements.

A Naval Modeling Kit for Experienced Modelers

With 6,630 pieces and an estimated 800 hours of assembly, the Belle Poule model requires patience and good organization.

Its advanced level is intended for modelers with experience in assembling wooden ships.

Before starting, ensure you have a stable and sufficiently large workspace to handle the hull, masts, and rigging of the ship.

Wood, Photo-Etched Brass, and Zamak Parts

The kit combines several materials to replicate the structure and details of the ship.

Different types of wood are used for the frame, planking, and visible finishes.

Laser-cut planks facilitate the fitting of parts.

Photo-etched brass allows for fine details, while zamak molded parts complete the accessories.

Cotton is used for the sails and textile elements.

Tools Needed for Assembly

To assemble the pieces with precision, you will need a modeling knife, sandpaper of various grits, fine tweezers, clamps, and measuring instruments.

An adhesive suitable for the materials is also necessary.

Work in stages and regularly check the alignment of the elements before permanently fixing them.

The included construction support helps hold the model during assembly.

Consider Additional Accessories!

The tools, accessories, and products needed for assembling and finishing the model are not included.

We have selected the main useful items for its construction.

For simplicity and cost savings, order them at the same time as your model:

In metropolitan France, shipping is free for orders over €150.

Simply check the boxes above for the items you want to add to your order.

Video Tutorials and Instructions for Building the Belle Poule

OcCre provides resources with this model to facilitate assembly follow-up: step-by-step video tutorials, HD photos, instructions in five languages, parts list with dimensions and materials, identification sheet, and scale drawings.

These documents help identify components and understand their placement, especially during operations that require special attention.

For a model of this size, it is best to progress methodically, completing each step before moving on to the next.

Rigging, in particular, requires precision to maintain a consistent result and avoid unnecessarily stressing already installed elements.

Painting and Finishing the Belle Poule Model

Painting highlights the different parts of the frigate and gives the model its historical appearance.

The complete paint set is offered separately: plan for it if you want to use the recommended color scheme for this model.

You can also select paints suitable for your project, checking their compatibility with the materials and testing them on less visible parts.

Anticipate difficult-to-reach areas: some parts are easier to paint before assembly.

Apply thin layers and let the surfaces dry before continuing.

Paying attention to details and finish consistency will enhance the hull, accessories, and rigging.

Displaying the French frigate model in a diorama

With a length of 1,085 mm and a height of 765 mm, the Belle Poule requires a suitable location, especially if it is to be displayed in a showcase.

The construction stand is included in the kit, while the nameplate allows for identifying the model.

For a permanent display, plan for an appropriate display base and enough space around the masts and rigging.

This frigate can also be placed in a diorama dedicated to the French Navy of the 19th century or to the return of Napoleon's ashes in 1840.

A harbor setting can evoke this historical mission, provided that good visibility of the ship is maintained and the most fragile elements are protected.

An OcCre model for enthusiasts of historical ships

The OcCre Belle Poule 1-90 frigate model is an advanced naval modeling project that combines 6,630 pieces, including sails, and detailed assembly resources.

It allows for replicating a French ship marked by the return of Napoleon's ashes and creating an exhibition piece over a meter long.

It will suit modelers who are willing to dedicate several hundred hours to building a historic wooden frigate.