Model of Spanish warship Montañés 1-70 - OcCre

The history of Montañés, a Spanish ship in the Battle of Trafalgar

A ship funded by the inhabitants of Cantabria in 1794

Montañés was launched on May 14, 1794 in Ferrol, Spain. Its construction was funded by the contribution of the inhabitants of Cantabria, a mountainous region in the north of the country.

In recognition of their participation, the ship was named Montañés, meaning "mountaineer."

This origin is reflected in its figurehead: unlike Spanish ships that traditionally displayed a royal lion, Montañés featured a mountaineer from Cantabria.

This historical detail is one of the peculiarities of the vessel.

A ship renowned for its sailing qualities

Montañés illustrated the advances in Spanish naval architecture at the end of the 18th century.

Its hull lines allowed it to reach a reported speed of 14 knots and maintain good nautical qualities in different wind conditions.

The ship was particularly known for its ability to sail close-hauled, on a beam reach, and running before the wind.

Its design also allowed it to keep its artillery batteries out of the water, an important advantage for a military vessel.

During its career, Montañés took part in several missions, including a voyage around the world with the Álava squadron.

From Trafalgar in 1805 to the sinking off Cadiz in 1810

On October 21, 1805, Montañés participated in the Battle of Trafalgar, which pitted the Franco-Spanish fleet against the British Royal Navy.

It was armed with 76 cannons and 4 carronades mounted on the poop deck.

During this engagement, the ship was commanded by Francisco de Alsedo, a captain from Santander, who lost his life on the deck during the fighting.

Montañés survived the Battle of Trafalgar, but its career came to an end on March 6, 1810.

A violent storm caused its sinking off the bay of Cadiz.

This story makes this ship a subject of naval modeling associated with the last great battles of the age of sail.

Why build the Montañés OcCre model?

A wooden warship model kit with 7,578 pieces

Montañés is a construction kit designed for enthusiasts of large historical vessels.

Its assembly combines a wooden structure, detailed metal parts, and textile elements to replicate the sails and rigging.

Various wood species are used according to the function of the components, especially for the structure, coverings, and visible finishes.

Laser-cut planks facilitate the identification of parts, while photo-etched brass and molded zamak elements complete the ship's equipment.

With over 7,500 components, this model requires meticulous organization, especially during the hull construction, detail installation, and rigging process.

A Spanish ship of the line for Trafalgar enthusiasts

This Spanish ship model allows for the reproduction of a military vessel from the late 18th century, whose career is part of the major naval operations of the Napoleonic era.

Montañés is distinguished by its armament, its figurehead representing a mountaineer, and its significant dimensions at a 1:70 scale.

It can complement a collection dedicated to ships of the line, sailing warships, or the Battle of Trafalgar.

Technical specifications of the Montañés 1/70 model

Scale, dimensions, and OcCre reference

Brand: OcCreModel: MontañésManufacturer reference: 15000Ship type: Spanish sailing warshipOriginal ship launch date: May 14, 1794Product type: wooden ship model kitScale: 1:70Number of pieces: 7,578Historical armament at Trafalgar: 76 cannons and 4 carronadesFinished model length: 1,250 mm (125 cm)Finished model height: 895 mm (89.5 cm)Finished model width: 470 mm (47 cm)Difficulty level: expert (level 4 out of 4)Estimated assembly time: 1,000 hoursBox dimensions: 625 × 410 × 89 mm

With a length of 1.25 meters and a height close to 90 cm, Montañés requires a substantial workspace.

Its width of 47 cm should also be considered for handling the hull, installing rigging elements, and planning a suitable display location for the finished model.

What materials are included in the Montañés OcCre kit?

The manufacturer uses several materials to replicate the different parts of the ship:

Various wood species: components selected for the structure, coverings, and visible finishes.

Laser-cut planks facilitate part adjustment during assembly.

Photo-etched brass: engraved metal elements intended to replicate the fine details of the ship.

Molded zamak: small metal pieces and accessories used to complete the ship's equipment.

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

Wooden elements benefit from FSC Mix Credit certification indicated by OcCre, combining wood from FSC certified forests and FSC controlled wood.

What skill level is required to build the Montañés model?

An expert ship model for experienced modelers

OcCre rates the Montañés at level 4 out of 4, corresponding to expert difficulty.

This category includes the manufacturer's most demanding projects, characterized by a large number of parts and complex construction processes.

Building this wooden warship model requires prior experience in naval modeling.

The builder must be comfortable with assembling wooden structures, adjusting components, handling small metal parts, and setting up a large rigging.

The Montañés is not suitable for beginner modelers.

It is intended for experienced modelers looking to undertake a long-term project and deepen their miniature shipbuilding techniques.

How long does it take to assemble the Montañés OcCre?

The manufacturer estimates the construction time to be around 1,000 hours.

This duration is indicative and may vary depending on the modeler's experience, work pace, and attention to adjustments and finishes.

For a project of this magnitude, it is recommended to divide the assembly into several phases, following the order indicated in the instructions.

Preparing the parts and regularly checking the assemblies are particularly important before proceeding to the next steps.

How to prepare for assembling the Montañés ship?

OcCre assembly instructions and manual

OcCre provides downloadable assembly instructions for reference 15000.

These documents allow you to review the different construction stages and anticipate the necessary operations.

Before starting, it is advisable to review the instructions, identify the wooden boards, and classify the metal and textile components.

For a kit of 7,578 pieces, organized storage facilitates the search for elements and reduces the risk of confusion during assembly.

What tools, glues, and paints are needed for the Montañés?

Building this wooden ship model requires tools suitable for working with different materials.

The laser-cut wooden parts, photo-etched brass components, and zamak accessories require specific handling and assembly techniques.

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

The manufacturer's information does not confirm their presence in the kit: therefore, it is important to check the available supplies and plan for any additional purchases.

For finishes, the choice of paints and varnishes should consider the nature of the surfaces to be treated.

The manufacturer's instructions help prepare the wooden elements and metal parts by following the different construction stages.

Consider complementary accessories!

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

We have selected the main articles useful 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 wish to add to your order.

How to display the Montañés ship model?

A large Spanish vessel for a naval modeling collection

Once completed, the Montañés can join a collection dedicated to ancient wooden boat models, line ships, or military vessels from the late 18th century.

Given its dimensions, a suitable display case or exhibition cabinet can be considered to protect the hull, sails, and rigging elements. The manufacturer's information does not specify if a display stand is included in the kit.

Integrating the Montañés into a diorama of the Battle of Trafalgar

The Montañés can also serve as a centerpiece for a maritime diorama inspired by the 1805 Battle of Trafalgar.

A scene depicting the ship in navigation or in a combat situation would help place the model in its historical context.

To maintain consistent proportions, the additional elements of the decor must adhere to a 1:70 scale.

The diorama base should also consider the length of 125 cm and the width of 47 cm of the assembled model.

Decor accessories are not mentioned in the kit contents.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Montañés OcCre model

Is the Montañés OcCre suitable for beginners?

No. The Montañés is classified as an expert level, 4 out of 4 on the OcCre difficulty scale.

It is aimed at experienced modelers who have already completed several construction projects and master the main techniques of wooden ship modeling.

What are the dimensions of the Montañés once completed?

At a 1-70 scale, the model measures 125 cm in length, 89.5 cm in height, and 47 cm in width. These dimensions correspond to the fully assembled ship.

Did the Montañés really have 76 cannons?

Yes. During the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805, the Montañés had an armament of 76 cannons, supplemented by 4 carronades installed on the poop deck.

These characteristics correspond to the historical armament indicated by OcCre.

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 for rigging.

Are 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 Montañés be downloaded?

Yes. OcCre offers downloadable construction instructions for reference 15000.

They allow for preparing the assembly and following the different assembly steps.

Can replacement parts be obtained 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 Montañés a remote-controlled boat?

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

It is not possible to control it remotely.