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In French
This monograph takes its place in a
series of texts devoted to the most representative
ships of the French Navy in the classical period.
We have addressed the subject of frigates in two
other monographs (the Vénus and the
Belle-Poule) which are distinguishable by their
battery of 8 and 12 pdr guns. The present monograph
discusses an armed frigate bearing 8-pdrr guns. It
is a unique ship because La Renommée was one
of the first modern frigates to be built in 1744
according to Blaise Ollivier's concepts. This
aspect is developed in another volume in our series
which discusses the history of the frigate. The
monograph on the Renommée was done using the
same descriptive approach we adopt in the other
monographs in the series. This full monograph is
for scholars and above all for model builders.
According to their skill and experience, they will
be able to execute a full model of the timbers and
the below-deck installations (the oblique inner
planking of the hull will require great dexterity).
The casks for wine and water are not represented,
nor are the cables and warps. However it is
possible to construct these elements using the
information in volume II of The 74-gun Ship, but
their placement will hide the timber work. We leave
this choice to the builder at the appropriate
moment. The hull may be fitted out with only the
lower masts or rigged with furled or unfurled
sails, allowing for full use of the monograph. The
model may be built without attention to the timbers
and accommodations, with or without rigging. This
is entirely dependent upon the builder's taste and
especially his or her experience. This monograph is
intended a priori for model builders with
considerable experience. Confirmed hands will be
able to construct a model of rare quality,
especially thanks to the beauty of this elegant
frigate whose fine bottom and distinguished
decoration do honor to French naval
architecture.
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