Man O'Wars (Design Question)

[Zanith]

Fellow members!

Sorry for throwing this monkey wrench into the theme of this forum which seems to be more modern vessels, however, I think we all share an interest in vessels from the past.

I was wondering if anyone could assist me on finding materials on French, Spanish, or English Man O'Wars. I am designing a design for an online RPG group and am having trouble finding resources.

HELP!

[spout]

like this?

[Zanith]

Heh heh! Thanks. I actually finally did some more research and found out I was seeking images of a First-Rate Spanish Man O'War.

If at the time I had only known the technical name of the design - but here is a pic of a good resource, fits the time period and this vessel is a Spanish First-Rate.

Spout - Thanks for the image, I have run into that one a couple times now; I was looking for external bow shots. Thanks!

[Steve Gray]

Hi, Zanith

Trick question? As in like it? like it?

The bow shot that you show, is it really a Spanish vessel? The Spanish wouldn't themselves have referred to it as a first rater--that's a British classification. What date range do you have in mind for this RPG and how accurate do you need it to be, i.e. capture-the-flavour or pedant-proof?

I'd be interested to hear about it...

Stv

[Zanith]

The bow featured in the pic is the Spanish "First Rate" (to follow the 100+ gun classification used in books) Man O'War San Felipe. She was dated to be in service around the 1690s, which is near the time frame of this RPG.

The starting year is 1690 at San Salvador, in the western expanse of the Spanish as they seeked land, gold, and power after the Inquisition.

And I am aiming for between capture-the-flavor and pendant-proof. Not something just close, but it does not need to be 100% accurate.

And yes, that forecastle looks very British, but I assure you she is Spanish.

Here is an aft pic, and an awesome one I might add.

[Steve Gray]

'American Conquest', perhaps?

[Zanith]

Heh Heh. I forgot about this thread. OOPS!

Read "Sailing Ships" by Colin Mudie for insight into square rig design.

[Stephen Ditmore]

Check out www.tallshipsacredromance.com, which has links to other sites. I've written a 20 page design brief for Sacred Romance, which I can send you if Rick Carr of the Sacred Romance Project gives his O.K.