That is welcome news indeed I have been out of ship modeling for awile, and this seems like a great project to get me started again. Todd

She does look like a fun build doesn't she? I'm very tempted to pick one up myself

Just got a reply from Revell, they said its going to be released State side in the 4th quarter. Watch on Squadron Online, they usually get new releasses quick.

Yes, that's about the general flow of things. With luck, we'll be seeing these stateside in the next month. I really want to see how easy it is to rig one of these with they way the kit has been engineered to assist the rigging process.

Plastic ratlines, no relation to any historical type of ship whatever. Disney design film ship. Have one at the bottom of my stash. Fun build though, built one about 35 years ago. Same ship, same molds, etc. Julian

You are right, this mold dates back to sometime around the 1960's if I remember correctly, and has been periodically released over the past years. While "Disneyfication" can be argued either way, Revell has not released their source for the plans they based this kit on to anyone's knowledge. The overall proportions and design are typical traits of many of the heavier Spanish Galleon designs. Unfortunately there isn't enough information out there to provide us with what is necessary to create accurate models of the many different types of Galleons that sailed the waters during their time. There have been many period drawing with elements of the designs found in this kit, but these drawings are generally not plans and open to the artistic interpretation of the hands that drew them. There are certainly concerns about the structural capabilities to support certain areas of the ship such as the bulky stern. Yes this kit is intended for modelers across the spectrum, and the ratlines, sails, and many other parts can easily be replaced with more suitable materials to make a nicer looking build than what is provided with the kit. While this is not an accurate representation of an actual known ship, of which there are few, it is a romanticized representation that captures the character of the great armada ships once used long ago just as the drawings of the time were often romanticized in such a manner.

Revell also released the English companion kit, which I got as a Christmas gift from my brother back in the mid 70's, "Elizabethan Man of War". Same hull etc, just had one more mast. I rebuilt the Spanish Galeon for my old 7th and 8th grade teacher. It was a fun rebuild and turned out pretty decent. I used Artisina Latina "Rope" for rigging, and overall it turned out quite nice. Sadly, no pics. I wonder what the price tag on it will be. I have seen them on Ebay for around $100.00 or so. Best Mark

I got hold of the example in my stash about 6 years ago for 70 Euro's. Julian

I think $100 is a bit steep as well, I'd wait for a better price when this hits the shelves.