French Navy 3rd Rates of Renown

French 3rd Rate ships of the line form the backbone of fleet actions in Black Seas. Mounting between 64 and 80 guns, these vessels strike a balance between firepower, durability, and operational efficiency. This box set allows players to field three iconic ships that took part in the Battle of Trafalgar, each with a detailed historical background drawn from the great naval conflicts of the late 18th and early 19th centuries.

Among them, Indomptable exemplifies the turbulent nature of Age of Sail warfare. An 80-gun Tonnant-class ship, she saw early action in major engagements and suffered significant damage during her service. At Trafalgar, she served within the Spanish line, engaging multiple British ships before becoming involved in rescue attempts for Bucentaure and ultimately being lost in a storm off Cadiz. Her story highlights the dangers faced by even the most powerful ships of the era.

Formidable, another 80-gun vessel, also participated in major battles including Trafalgar, where she served in the French reserve division. Captured by the Royal Navy after the Battle of Cape Ortegal, she represents the shifting fortunes of naval warfare between rival fleets. Finally, Argonaute, a 74-gun ship, fought at Trafalgar before managing to return to Cadiz, where she remained trapped due to battle damage and the British blockade.

Box contents:

• 3 plastic ship hulls
• Metal detailing components
• Figureheads and stern pieces for named ships
• Ship cards and wake markers
• Flags and rigging sheets

Models supplied unassembled and unpainted.