H.M.S Victory Description
Model Description30 long x 11 Wide x 22 High Requires hundreds of hours to build from scratch (not from a model kit) by our master artisans. Plank on frame construction (a painstaking process where each individual plank is added to the hull one at a time). Built with rare high quality woods such as light ebony rosewood and blackwood. The model rests perfectly on a large redwood base between four arched fishes. Masterfully stitched canvas sails. No plastic fittings (metal anchors and machine turned brass cannons. Significant deck detail. To build this ship extensive research was done using various sources such as museums drawings copies of original plans and photos of the actual ship. nbsp; nbsp; Historical Significance On October 21 1805 one of the most momentous battles in European history began off Cape Trafalgar Spain. Napoleon was determined upon invasion of England and he ordered the 33 heavily-gunned ships of France and Spain to confront the 27 ships of British fleet commanded by Lord Horatio Nelson. At the head of the British column Nelsons flagship HMS Victory sailed directly into the center of the combined fleet to cut it in two holding fire to conserve ammunition. Her steering was disabled her sails were full of holes and she was partially dismasted but Victory came straight on. Only then did Nelson give the order to open fire while turning to run down the line of the French formation. HMS Victory slashed through the enemys line of ships taking great punishment but leaving disaster in her wake. At one point she was locked alongside the French flagship Redoubtable with both ships pouring volleys of 32 lb. cannon shot into each other. Sharpshooters were picking off crewmen on deck while marines used grappling hooks to climb over the sides. Nelson waving his sword was struck by a musketball in the back. Mortally wounded he was informed that he had won a great victory with 25 enemy ships already captured or sunk. Commissioned in 1778 HMS Victory had almost 30 years hard service under her keel at the time of Trafalgar. Yet she remained a fearsome fighting machine. She commanded the power of 102 cannon lining three decks. In a single devastating broadside she could fire half a ton of iron shot more than a mile to smash through two feet of solid oak. She was a veteran of many hard fought naval battles. HMS Victory displaced over 3500 tons and measure 226 feet in length and 51 feet abeam. It took 2500 prime oak trees to plank her sides and deck. Her hull was sheathed in copper to guard against barnacles. In a stiff breeze carrying 36 sails totaling four acres of canvass she could plough the waves at 10 knots. Fair weather or foul the Victory was a fortress city stocked with 35 tons of powder and 120 tons of shot. She possessed the endurance to remain at sea for up to six months at a time. Honored and preserved over the years HMS Victory rests now at Portsmouth England a never-to-be-forgotten symbol of loyalty courage and devotion to duty.
