Spanish Navy Ships, What Are They Like?
As is logical, Spanish ships have evolved greatly over time to adapt to changing circumstances and have incorporated new technologies and strategies as naval history progressed. Here are some of the typologies that have been part of the Spanish Navy:
- Galleons. Large and robust warships, widely used during the 16th and 17th centuries, also employed for the transportation of goods.
- Ships of the Line. Essential in naval battles in the late 18th century. These were large warships with heavy armament.
- Frigates. Versatile ships for escort, patrol, and exploration missions, typical of the 18th and 19th centuries. Ideal for operations in distant waters.
- Corvettes and Brigantines. Smaller vessels used for patrolling and reconnaissance in nearby waters.
- Steam Warships. With the new technology of the 19th century, this type of ship was consolidated, marking a significant change.
- Amphibious Assault Ships, designed to allow the landing of troops, equipment, and supplies onto a beach or coastal area controlled by the enemy.
- Submarines.
- Logistic Support Vessels.
These ancient Spanish ships have led to great successes and also notorious defeats in their extensive naval history. For example, in terms of victories, highlights include the Battle of Lepanto and the significant discoveries in the expeditions to America and the Pacific, driven by navigators such as Christopher Columbus, Hernán Cortés, Francisco Pizarro, Fernández de Quirós, or Álvaro de Mendaña.
In terms of grand defeats, there are the attempts to invade England in 1588, known as the Invincible Armada, and the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. Once again, another defeat against the British fleet commanded by Admiral Nelson.
Which Spanish Ship Models are Easiest to Assemble?
The simplest Spanish ship models to assemble are as follows:
- San Martín, a galleon that became Spanish property in 1580 and became the flagship of the Spanish Navy. It survived countless storms and the virulence of English artillery.
- Apóstol Felipe, one of the six galleons built for King Felipe IV. It participated in the war in Brazil to recover Pernambuco and transport troops and money to Flanders, participating in the Battle of Dunes.
- Diana was part of the series of frigates called "Mahonesas" for being built in Mahón. Its design allowed it to be faster than its predecessors. It participated in battles against corsairs in the Antilles.
- La Candelaria was a bombard. That is, a historic warship whose purpose was to bombard, with cannons and mortars, targets on the coast or enemies at sea.
- La Sección Santísima Trinidad. This is the cross-section of the Main Mast of this powerful vessel.
Famous Spanish ships like La Candelaria, Santísima Trinidad, or Diana belong to an era when it was common for ships, especially warships, to be baptized with names that often had religious or mythological connotations. These choices not only reflected belief in divine protection but also added a symbolic and emotional component to the ships. Sailors could consider the ships almost as living beings and, therefore, played an important role in achieving a special connection.
Spanish Navy Ship Models for Experts
For those more experienced, these models can represent an ideal challenge:
- Ship Santísima Trinidad. It was the largest warship of the 18th century, with 130 gun ports. After participating in all naval campaigns from the late 18th to the early 19th centuries, it was dismasted by the British fleet in the Battle of Trafalgar.
- San Felipe. It was launched in the Catalan shipyard of S. Feliú de Guixols and its first military service was in the Sardinia campaign, where it participated at the head of a squadron composed of nine ships, several frigates, and other vessels.
- Montañés. It was said to have two precious qualities: it sailed closer to the wind faster than any other vessel, and it was able to keep the batteries out of the water longer than others in very challenging navigation conditions.
Get ready for the challenge of recreating these authentic naval modeling gems: Spanish ship models.
