Gunport specs

[Capt. Sterling]

Does anyone have any specs regarding an average size gunport and its mechanics during the early 1700s? if it helps for a brigantine...

Mr. March wants to build a full scale section including working gun port and gun, for demos...

Thanks ahead for any and all information...

[Story]

Why not snag one of Artesania Latina's 1:30 scale wood & metal models of the San Felipe's 18 pounder cannon?

http://cgi.ebay.com/1-30-SCALE-MODEL-OF-TH...1QQcmdZViewItem

It's the right period and small enough that you could finish it fast.

While building it, you can work up the templates for the full scale version.

There's also a generic French deck gun kit.

http://www.modelexpo-online.com/cgi-bin/sg...&TRAN85=N&GENP=

[Capt. Sterling]

Why not snag one of Artesania Latina's 1:30 scale wood & metal models of the San Felipe's 18 pounder cannon?

http://cgi.ebay.com/1-30-SCALE-MODEL-OF-TH...1QQcmdZViewItem

It's the right period and small enough that you could finish it fast.

While building it, you can work up the templates for the full scale version.

There's also a generic French deck gun kit.

http://www.modelexpo-online.com/cgi-bin/sg...&TRAN85=N&GENP=

Now there's an idea! Thanks will check this out especially with the scale available... Brilliant!

[Capn_Enigma]

I don't want to rain in on the parade, but "scale" models are notoriously inaccurate, especially so the Italian/ Spanish kits.

I can recommend a book by the noted German naval historian Wolfram zu Mondfeld, a luminary in the field of accurate ship models.

The book is called "Historische Schiffsmodelle", ISBN 3-572-00847-6 . On the pages 192 f there are detailed descriptions of the anatomy of gun ports between 1550 and 1890, with numerous drawings. The book is a most comprehensive compilation on virtually all aspects of historic naval modelmaking.

[Capt. Sterling]

Well then, even better! Thank you as well!

[Coastie04]

Capt. Sterling,

As you're from Virginia, I'd recommend heading out to Jamestown and taking a look at their ships. I think the name of the larger ship is the Susan Constant, but don't quote me on that. However, it is armed below decks and has gunports. Take a tape measure, camera, and I don't see why they'd stop you from taking measurements, especially if you explained why. Or, check out the USS Constitution in Boston (Yes, out of period, but a common gunport that would be easily recognized as such if that's your goal). Or, check the internet for pictures of tall ships with gunports and take a guess based on the proportions.

Coastie

[Capt. Sterling]

Capt. Sterling,

As you're from Virginia, I'd recommend heading out to Jamestown and taking a look at their ships. I think the name of the larger ship is the Susan Constant, but don't quote me on that. However, it is armed below decks and has gunports. Take a tape measure, camera, and I don't see why they'd stop you from taking measurements, especially if you explained why. Or, check out the USS Constitution in Boston (Yes, out of period, but a common gunport that would be easily recognized as such if that's your goal). Or, check the internet for pictures of tall ships with gunports and take a guess based on the proportions.

Coastie

Hmmm hadn't thought of Jamestown. The last time I was there, one wasn't allowed on the ship... but I will give them a call first to check... good thought..

[Captain Jim]

I, too, am looking to build a full scale gun station, but at present lack the funds. But the research I have begun. Try this site for technical drawings of the Constitution. Just click on the line drawing of the ship.

You will need to download a viewer to open the .mil files, so read the instruction page.

I gaurantee you will lose a day of work over this.

As a bonus, I'll share some of the details/ideas that I had in mind to include. I was planning to use this model as a base for design.

1. Plank the upper deck, to support two rail guns and rifle men.

2. Build solid weather rails, not netting, to support above guns.

3. Build it on a trailer with a folding "stage" that hinges up to cover the open side away from the gun port. You should build it on a trailer because it will be heavy. The folding "stage" will act to cover one side of the trailer while the open ends can be covered with canvas (or two smaller wings). This will also give the narrator/lecturer a place to address the crowd. And you will draw a crowd.

4. Wire it for sound. Disguise PA system in powder kegs etc. This will save the lecturer's voice and can be used to play shanties between demonstrations. Or you could make the stage available for other acts, such as shantymen, between demos. What a backdrop. And the organizers of some events might pay for the stage and help defray the cost of powder.

5. Build it strong enough to support actual live firing. There are cannon competitions around the country and they have never seen a naval cannon; it's all Civil War field cannon and mortars. You never know when (not if) you will want to step up to the real thing.

6. Get good training and drill your men. Then drill some more. Many would say that this goes without saying, but then people are forever blowing their hands off, and I don't know you well enough not to say it so don't take offence. Build this into your program.

This is all off the top of my head, so I'm probably forgetting some details. If I remember anything else, I'll post it here.