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New design Le Saint Philippe -1693 - 1:48 by Trident Model Update 0926

Trident Model

Vendor
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Apr 1, 2019
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Hello everyone, I am starting the development log for Le‑Saint‑Philippe (1693), scale 1:48.



This is currently an internal experimental project. There is no guarantee that it will ever be fully completed. I see it as an exploratory attempt for this relatively rare French vintage warship, hoping to share ideas with fellow modellers.



This kit is not yet scheduled for commercial release. Our main prototyping workload for this year focuses on two upcoming products: the 1:48 full‑frame HMS Victory and the 1:48 Granado. Full‑scale production development will begin once our new CNC machining equipment is ready.



While waiting for the new machine, I have started the historical research and full 3D digital modelling of Le‑Saint‑Philippe in advance.



This will be a long‑term project. It may take five to ten years to finish, and there is also a risk that it will be suspended halfway. The goal is not only the final kit, but the journey itself.



The 3D model retains nearly all original historic structural details without simplification. Minor adjustments will only be made to compensate for assembly gaps in real wooden parts.



The attached photos show CNC‑milled test samples of the frames. Three key manufacturing trials have been carried out to find the optimal production workflow:



1. Test of interlocking joint structure for the frames



2. CNC one‑pass milling of the outer curved surfaces on both sides of each frame



3. Thickness transition test on the top section of the frame (smooth taper from 6 mm to 3.5 mm)

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This is wonderful news and I'm very excited about this project. I admire your commitment because it requires a huge amount of work.
The only thing that puzzles me is why you didn't start with a smaller project. For example, a 1/72 POB or a POB with 3D resin elements. This would certainly yield faster results and a larger audience.
 
This is wonderful news and I'm very excited about this project. I admire your commitment because it requires a huge amount of work.
The only thing that puzzles me is why you didn't start with a smaller project. For example, a 1/72 POB or a POB with 3D resin elements. This would certainly yield faster results and a larger audience.
Thanks so much for the suggestion! The main reason for going with 1:48 is to do justice to the hull structure—at 1/72, some of the finer details would simply be too difficult to bring out properly. Once this 1/48 design is finished, I do plan to experiment with other scales to make the project even more fun. But that’s all down the road for now. Really appreciate the input!
 
Is Trident really working on a 1:48 scale POF Victory?
Is there anything to see yet? How big will this model be?
And when are you planning to release it, so I can start saving up?
Hello Strand,


We are pleased to confirm that development of the 1:48 HMS Victoryis indeed underway. This is undoubtedly a monumental undertaking and a true test of patience; the sheer volume of work involved means the project timeline is estimated at 3 to 5 years.


As our first major milestone, we plan to complete a physical validation of the stern section this coming October. We will be sharing photos of this progress on the forum at that time.


Thank you for your continued interest and support!
 
Some 87 inches (207 cm) overall... .
The 1:48 scale serves as our primary development platform, allowing us to faithfully reproduce the vast majority of historical details. Once the 1:48 design is finalized, I fully intend to develop a 1:96 version. However, scaling down will inevitably necessitate certain simplifications, and some of the finer details will be lost in translation.
 
Yes — that’s the plan. The 1:48 is our primary development platform right now, and the 1:96 will follow once the larger version is finalized.
Victory in 1:96 (or 1:98) still exists in many company invetories. C.Watton and Amati, when joint venturing, were planning a 1:64 version, but they splitted just because of this project. That scale would possibly be a better compromise than 1:48.
 
Victory in 1:96 (or 1:98) still exists in many company invetories. C.Watton and Amati, when joint venturing, were planning a 1:64 version, but they splitted just because of this project. That scale would possibly be a better compromise than 1:48.
Why? We're talking about POF, and 1:48 is the appropriate scale unless you're a watchmaker.
 
Why? We're talking about POF, and 1:48 is the appropriate scale unless you're a watchmaker.
That's true, but over 2 metres in lenght mean a huge beast, something almost impossibile to accomodate even in a large flat. Nevertheless, I'm also thrilled and full of anticipation for this project, which will easily represent the best, accurate and detailed "Victory" model yet.
 
That's true, but over 2 metres in lenght mean a huge beast, something almost impossibile to accomodate even in a large flat. Nevertheless, I'm also thrilled and full of anticipation for this project, which will easily represent the best, accurate and detailed "Victory" model yet.
There might be a different twist to the 1:48 version. More to come.
 
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