The AMARANTE - Corvette: 1744

Freed from their origins dating back from the end of the XVIIth century, the first corvettes appeared as a distinct family in the years 1730. From that date, and as opposed to certain ship types that disappeared more or less rapidly, they went through a process of evolution and they lasted until today.

The architectural study presented here is based on the early constructions of this family. Our choice centered on the years 1740/1750, a period about which we have first-hand information provided by renowned builders of that time.

This monograph is based on the drafts of a corvette laid down by the shipwrights Ollivier father and son in the years following the appearance of a clearly identified type.

The draft that was chosen has the advantage that it was used for the construction of three corvettes, the decoration of which is available. A specific decoration can be selected from the same set of plans presented in the monograph. This method allows for the construction of a variety of models.

The present document details the architecture, the fitting-out, the equipment and the rigging of a 12-gun corvette of the years 1745. The plans are at the 1/36 scale to provide for ease of construction, with one plate at the 1/48 scale for the possible construction at that scale. The full timber structure has been drawn to provide for the construction of a model with the rigorous detailing expected from an Admiralty model.

Booklet and plans contained in a cardboard box covered in blue cloth with a full-color dust jacket showing the Amarante under sail, by J. Bellis.

Summary, 112 pages:

Corvettes of the years 1740/1750

Illustration of the evolution of corvettes

Plans of La Palme, with commentaries

The three corvettes of Joseph-Louis Ollivier

Commentaries on the decorations of the three corvettes.

Commentaries on the 32 plates of the monograph

Ironwork – painting

Timber scantlings

Description of the rigging

Photos of a 1/48-scale model by G. Chatainier.

Scale

List of the 1/36-scale plates:

1 – Schematic elevation of the hull

2 – Vertical sections

3 – Horizontal sections

4 – Fore-and-aft structure

5, 6 & 7 – Frame drawings

8 – Timber structure of the head and construction of the cutwater

9 – Timber structure and construction of the stern

10 – Elevation of the timber structure

11 – Lengthwise section of the timber structure

12 – Timber structure in the hold

13 – Timber structure of 'tweendecks

14 – Timber structure of the deck

15 – Timber structure of the castles

16 – Cross-sections

17 – Fittings in the hold

18 – Fittings in the 'tweendecks

19 – Fittings on deck and on the castles

20 – Fittings, overall lengthwise section

21 – Pieces of equipment

22 – Pieces of equipment

23 – Overall elevation

24 – Views from forward and aft

25 – Masts

26 – Mast fittings

27 – Sails

28 – Blocks

29 – Standing rigging and fore-and-aft sails

30 – Overall elevation under sail

31 – Belaying points

32 – schematic elevation and sections at the 1/48 scale

Information: Supplementary plans or brochures can only be sold if you already have the complete monograph.
The books only without plans in English or Italian or Spanish are sold only if you already have the monograph in French. (proof of purchase will be requested)

Author : Gérard DELACROIX translation by GILLES KORENT