Le Fleuron
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Source: "Traité de Constuction" by Blaise Ollivier. The Fleuron is a third line 64-canon vessel constructed in Brest in 1729. The minister, Maurepas, entrusted the building work to Blaise Ollivier and his father, Joseph. The sculptures and the decoration were made to designs by J.J. Caffieri that are, today, preserved at the Service Historique de la Marine in Vincennes. The vessel's construction began on 20th June 1729, and she was put in the water on 29th April 1730. On 22nd February 1732, the masts were raised, and she was ballasted on 5th April. By 8th May 1732, the Fleuron was under sail. The first commander , Monsieur Le Chevalier de Gouyon, regarded her as a perfect vessel. She carried her sails well, she manoeuvred extremely smoothly, and she handled perfectly. The Fleuron took part in many campaigns, but never fought. She was lost on 1st February 1745, burned during the raid on Brest. |
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This model is in the course of construction.
After the 1 : 24 scale Diligent, I adopted the same scale for the Fleuron. The larger scale imposes different limitations. It is necessary to go into more depth with certain details, notably the sculptures. As for the frame, it is necessary to work differently as the wood sections are bigger. The storage of the wood also needs careful consideration. The footprint of a vessel of this size also poses a few problems (moving for exhibitions).
Leaving the ribs exposed on the port side, the Fleuron's framework can be seen. On the starboard side only the topsides are boarded. The decks are left open so that the viewer may see the interior layout. Progress on this study is detailed in a photo reportage on Gérard Delacroix's site, to which he has added his own commentary.
In terms of weaponary, only the quarter-deck and forecastle canons will be executed. The rigging will stop at the lower masts, the top masts are displayed with their top ropes and extend slightly beyong the mast caps.
- The majority of the model is in pear.
- The ornamentation is in boxwood.
- Most of the metal parts are in bronze, blackened with tourmaline.
Estimated finish of project December 2010.