Model of Spanish galleon San Martín 1-90 - OcCre

The history of San Martín, flagship of the Invincible Armada

A Portuguese galleon turned Spanish warship

San Martín, originally named São Martinho, was built in Portugal before coming under Spanish flag in 1580, following the union of the Portuguese and Spanish crowns.

This galleon played an important role in the naval operations of the Iberian monarchy at the end of the 16th century.

As the flagship of Álvaro de Bazán during the victory of Terceira, San Martín was later chosen to command the Spanish Armada of 1588.

Its characteristics and military role made it one of the major vessels of the fleet.

The flagship of the Invincible Armada facing the English fleet in 1588

On March 22, 1588, Don Alonso Pérez de Guzmán, Duke of Medina-Sidonia and commander of the Invincible Armada, raised his flag on the main mast of San Martín.

The galleon thus became the flagship of the Spanish expedition against England.

During the campaign, it took part in the engagements in the English Channel and the Battle of Gravelines.

Subjected to English artillery fire, the vessel suffered significant damage. Two divers had to seal leaks during the battles to allow the ship to continue its journey.

Despite the conflicts and storms that struck the Armada, San Martín managed to return to the port of Santander with Medina-Sidonia on board.

This story provides the historical context for the OcCre model, dedicated to one of the Spanish galleons that survived the 1588 expedition.

Why build the San Martín OcCre model?

A wooden galleon model inspired by the Spanish navy of the 16th century

The San Martín model allows you to replicate a historical warship through a kit that combines different techniques of miniature shipbuilding.

The work focuses on the wooden structure, hull coverings, detailed elements, and sail making.

The photo-etched brass parts and cast zamak accessories complement the wooden components to reproduce the galleon's equipment.

The cotton sails and threads of different thicknesses allow you to work on the rigging, an important step in building this type of ancient ship.

A naval modeling project for enthusiasts of historical sailing ships

This Spanish ship model is aimed at builders interested in the great galleons of the Renaissance and the history of the Armada.

It allows you to discover various aspects of traditional naval modeling, from assembling wooden parts to setting up textile elements.

The San Martín can complement a collection of wooden warship models or military sailing ships from the 16th century.

Its appeal lies in both its architecture and its role in naval conflicts between Spain and England.

Technical specifications of the San Martín 1/90 model

Scale, dimensions, and OcCre reference

Brand: OcCre
Model: San Martín
Manufacturer reference: 13601
Ship type: Spanish war galleon
Product nature: wooden ship model kit to build
Scale: 1-90
Number of parts: 2,846
Length of finished model: 660 mm (66 cm)
Height of finished model: 550 mm (55 cm)
Width of finished model: 260 mm (26 cm)
Difficulty level: intermediate (level 2 out of 4)
Estimated assembly time: 560 hours
Box dimensions: 625 × 230 × 89 mm

With a length of 66 cm and a height of 55 cm, the San Martín requires a workspace suitable for the different assembly phases.

Its width of 26 cm should also be considered to provide a display case or exhibition space once the model is completed.

What materials does the San Martín OcCre kit contain?

The manufacturer uses several materials to reproduce the different parts of the galleon:

Wood of different essences: components selected for the structure, coverings, and visible finishes.

Laser-cut boards facilitate the identification and adjustment of parts during assembly.

Photo-etched brass: engraved metal elements designed to reproduce the fine details of the ship.

Cast zamak: detailed parts and small metal accessories used to complete the galleon's equipment.

Cotton: sails, threads of different thicknesses, and textile components necessary for rigging and associated details.

The wooden components are FSC Mix Credit certified by OcCre, combining wood from FSC-certified forests and controlled FSC wood.

What skill level is required to build the San Martín model?

An intermediate boat model for advancing in naval modeling

OcCre classifies the San Martín at level 2 out of 4, corresponding to an intermediate difficulty.

This level is suitable for modelers who have already completed an initial assembly and wish to undertake a project with more parts and various materials.

Building this galleon requires method to organize the 2,846 components and follow the different assembly stages.

Working on the hull, metal elements, and rigging requires precision, especially when handling small parts and setting up wires.

For a first experience, a beginner level 1 boat model will generally be more accessible.

The San Martín is more suitable for a builder looking to deepen their assembly techniques on a historical ship.

How long does it take to assemble the San Martín OcCre?

The manufacturer estimates around 560 hours of construction. This estimation may vary depending on the modeler's experience, work pace, and attention to adjustments and finishes.

To organize a project of this duration, it is advisable to work in stages, following the assembly instructions and checking the assemblies before proceeding.

Preparing the parts and classifying them also facilitates progress on a kit of this size.

How to prepare for the assembly of the San Martín galleon?

OcCre assembly instructions and manual

OcCre offers downloadable assembly instructions for reference 13601.

These documents allow you to consult the different construction stages and prepare the assembly before starting.

It is recommended to review the instructions to identify the parts, identify the different work phases, and organize the components according to their material.

This preparation is particularly useful for a kit combining laser-cut wooden boards, metal elements, and textile supplies.

Consider additional accessories!

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

We have selected the main items useful for its construction.

For more simplicity and 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 corresponding to the items you want to add to your order.

What tools, glues, and paints to prepare for the San Martín?

Building this wooden boat model requires tools suitable for handling, adjusting, and assembling different materials.

The wooden parts, photo-etched brass components, and rigging elements require specific working techniques.

Before starting, consult the OcCre instructions to determine the tools, glues, paints, and finishing products needed.

The manufacturer's sheet does not confirm their presence in the box: it is therefore necessary to check the available supplies and plan for any additional purchases.

For finishes, the choice of products should take into account the nature of the surfaces to be treated.

The manufacturer's instructions help prepare the work on the wooden elements and metal parts without compromising the following assembly steps.

How to display the San Martín galleon model?

A historic ship for a collection of wooden ship models

Once completed, the San Martín can join a collection dedicated to ancient wooden ship models, Spanish galleons, or sail military vessels.

Its architecture and rigging are the main elements to highlight during the exhibition.

The model can be presented in a display case adapted to its dimensions to limit the accumulation of dust on the sails and rigging.

The manufacturer's sheet does not specify if a display stand is included in the kit.

Integrating the San Martín into an Invincible Armada diorama

The galleon can also serve as the centerpiece of a maritime diorama inspired by the Spanish Armada campaign of 1588.

A scene evoking navigation in the English Channel or clashes with the English fleet would help place the ship in its historical context.

To maintain consistent proportions, the additional elements of the setting must be adapted to the 1-90 scale.

The choice of base and location should also consider the dimensions of the assembled model. Diorama accessories are not mentioned in the kit contents.

Frequently Asked Questions about the San Martín OcCre model

Is the San Martín OcCre suitable for beginners?

The San Martín is classified as intermediate level, 2 out of 4 on the OcCre difficulty scale.

It is suitable for modelers who already have some construction experience and wish to build a model with many parts and various materials.

What are the dimensions of the San Martín once assembled?

At a 1-90 scale, the model measures 66 cm in length, 55 cm in height, and 26 cm in width. These dimensions correspond to the fully assembled galleon.

Are the sails and rigging elements included?

Yes. OcCre indicates the presence of cotton for the sails, as well as threads of different thicknesses and textile elements intended for rigging and ship details.

Is the San Martín a reproduction of a real historical galleon?

Yes. The model represents the San Martín, a former Portuguese São Martinho that became the flagship of the Spanish Invincible Armada in 1588.

This galleon notably participated in battles against the English fleet and managed to return to Spain.

Are the paints and tools provided with the model?

The OcCre datasheet details the main construction materials, but does not confirm the presence of paints, glues, or tools.

It is recommended to consult the assembly instructions to identify the necessary supplies before starting.

Can the assembly instructions for the San Martín be downloaded?

Yes. OcCre provides downloadable construction instructions for reference 13601. They allow for preparing the assembly and following the different assembly steps.

Is it possible to obtain replacement parts for this model?

OcCre announces a lifetime warranty on the parts of its kits.

The manufacturer offers a free replacement service for damaged or lost parts during construction, according to the conditions of its warranty.

Is the OcCre San Martín a remote-controlled boat?

The San Martín is presented as a wooden ship model kit for static naval modeling.

No motorization or remote control equipment is mentioned in the manufacturer's datasheet.