Microdesign MD 072270 Sheathing of the Bottom of Ships of the 17th-19th Centuries 1/72 is a high-quality set of photo-etched parts designed for modeling authentic hull sheathing of historical ships. This product is dedicated to modelers building replicas of sailing ships from the 17th to 19th centuries in 1/72 scale. Thanks to this set, it is possible to faithfully recreate the details, which give the model exceptional realism and emphasize the authenticity of sailboats from this era.

The set includes as many as 520 brass sheathing plates (260 for each side of the hull), each measuring 4.75 mm x 17 mm. This size matches the real proportions of hull sheathing plates used on actual ships from this period. In reality, copper plates protected the hulls of European ships – especially British, Dutch, French, Spanish, and Russian – from insects, corrosion, and fouling by marine organisms. The use of metal plates on ship bottoms became widespread mainly from the end of the 18th century, with a breakthrough moment being the arming of English frigates and ships of the line with them during the Napoleonic Wars. This solution extended the lifespan of vessels and allowed for longer voyages without the need for frequent docking.

The Microdesign MD 072270 product is made of thin, precisely photo-etched brass, allowing for perfect geometry and a realistic plate texture. Each plate allows for easy assembly and accurate reproduction of fittings on the model – this solution is dedicated especially to advanced modelers and enthusiasts of dioramas from the age of sail, who want to take their modeling project to the next level of detail.

• Category: Modeling accessories, photo-etched parts for sailing ship models
• Material: Photo-etched brass
• Scale: 1/72
• Intended use: Hull sheathing for 17th-19th century ships – ideal for HMS Victory, USS Constitution, French ships of the line, or Spanish galleons
• Historical period: Mainly 18th-19th centuries, Napoleonic Wars, era of great colonial powers
• Number of elements: 520 plates per set (260 per side of the ship's hull)

Microdesign MD 072270 is recommended for advanced and intermediate modelers building replicas of historical sailing ships. The product is distinguished by excellent workmanship, realistic detail, and significantly enhances the precision of model reproduction. We assess the assembly difficulty at 4 out of 5 – installing photo-etched plates requires precision and patience, but the final result will certainly meet the expectations of even the most demanding historical model enthusiasts.