YUANQING MODELS 1:50 Scale SAN Felipe Build Log.

[Phillipsart]

SAN FELIPE BUILD UPDATE – 1:50 SCALE (ZHL MODELS)

Time for another update on my 1:50 scale SAN Felipe build, and this stage has been one of those slow, detailed, but incredibly satisfying parts of the project.

Over the past few sessions I’ve been focusing on the upper deck fencing and stair structures, and I’m really starting to see the character of this ship come to life.

Upper Deck Fencing Progress

The top deck fencing is now progressing very well. This is one of those areas where accuracy and symmetry really matter, and I’ve been taking my time to ensure everything lines up cleanly along the deck edges. Each section has been carefully dry-fitted, adjusted, and then permanently installed to keep the flow consistent from port to starboard.

At this scale, even the slightest misalignment stands out, so patience is absolutely key here.

Spiral Staircases – A Highlight Feature

I’ve also started work on the spiral staircases, and I have to say — I absolutely love how these are turning out.

So far:

✔ 3 out of the 6 spiral staircases completed

✔ Remaining staircases prepared and staged for assembly

Each staircase is built step-by-step (literally), with individual treads shaped, aligned, and glued one at a time. Once enclosed by the curved timber walls, they really add depth and realism to the deck layout. These staircases are small details, but they make a huge visual impact when viewed from above and through the open deck sections.

Deck Fence Rails Started

In addition to the staircases, I’ve also begun installing the deck fence rails. These rails frame the open deck areas beautifully and help define the layered structure of the ship. Like most things on this build, they require careful measuring, trimming, and repeated test fits before committing with glue.

Overall Thoughts

This stage of the build is definitely more time-consuming than it looks, but it’s also one of the most rewarding. The combination of:

• Rich timber deck tones

• Red bulwarks

• Gold exterior detailing

• And now these finely detailed staircases and railings

…is really starting to bring the San Felipe’s grandeur to life.

There’s still plenty to do, but seeing these features come together makes all the effort worthwhile. Slowly but surely, she’s taking shape exactly how I envisioned.

Thanks for following along — more updates coming soon as the remaining staircases and fencing continue

 

[Phillipsart]

Upper Gun Deck & Companionway Detailing – SAN Felipe 1:50 Scale

Progress continues steadily on the 1:50 scale SAN Felipe, and this stage of the build has been all about refining the upper gun deck layout and structural deck features. While this area may look simple at first glance, it’s actually one of those sections where alignment, symmetry, and clean timber work really stand out once everything is in place.

The deck planking is now fully completed in this section, and I’m very happy with how the natural timber tones are working together. The subtle variation between planks gives the deck life and avoids that flat, uniform look. A light satin finish has really brought the grain out without making it look overdone – just enough sheen to suggest a well-maintained warship rather than something straight off the slipway.

The upper gun deck cannons have now been positioned along both sides, and their spacing and alignment were carefully checked to keep everything consistent port to starboard. The red carriages contrast beautifully against the timber deck and really help break up the wood tones visually. Even at this stage, with no rigging or deck furniture installed above, you can already start to feel the scale and firepower this ship carried.

One of the more time-consuming parts of this stage was constructing and fitting the companionways and curved stair enclosures. These were built up plank by plank to achieve the correct curvature, and getting both sides to match took patience and plenty of dry fitting. The stair openings themselves were carefully trimmed so they sit cleanly within the deck planking.

The handrails and support posts around the companionways were also fabricated and installed during this phase. Keeping everything square and evenly spaced at this scale is fiddly work, but once in place they really elevate the look of the deck. These details add depth and realism and help define how crew would have moved through the ship.

At the aft end, work continues around the stern deck structures, tying the upper gun deck visually into the richly decorated stern. Seeing the deck details come together against the blue and gold stern work really reinforces just how ornate and imposing this ship was meant to be.

Overall, this stage was less about flashy decoration and more about precision timber work and structural realism. It’s a section that won’t always be front-and-centre once the model is complete, but it forms the backbone of the deck layout and will make everything that follows sit correctly and look right.

Slow progress, but very satisfying progress – exactly how I like to build.