L’Orenoque was one of the first French frigates with mixed propulsion sail-steam built in 1848. It displaced 2568 tons. Although it was provided with a mechanical propulsion advanced in conception, it kept the typical masting of the frigates if that time. Scarcely armed, it was used in particular to transport troops. The richness of the superstructures, reproduced with refined performance and faithful scale, the characteristic paddle-wheels and the classic masting give the model a new and original look.