Figures 25 & 25A:

Again there are numerous ways to construct gunport framings. This is a just one method that I found worked extremely well for me. From the plans determine the location of the gunport openings on the various decks. Ensure that none foul the bulkheads or the rigging channels. If you already have glued and positioned the bulkheads, no matter as you can just add the gunport frames sections by section between the bulkheads. The overall end result will be the same. However my preference is the cut into the bulkheads prior to assembly and use full length runners or stringers as I can get a more flowing line for the ports. Figure 25 shows what I mean by cutting into the bulkheads prior to assembly.

The depth of the framing is determined by the actual barrel length of the cannons being used. Don’t forget to allow for the planking thickness along with the measurement. -A- is an example of the runner width to be used, don’t forget to allow for a little protrusion of the cannon barrel beyond the ships side as if the cannon was run out ready to fire.

 

Material for the frames can be of any scrap timber available as they are not seen when the model is finished. The width of (A) top and bottom stringers may vary a little given the rounded shape of the hull, but always the inboard back edges of the runners must be vertical to each other (parallel to the bulkhead centre line). A piece of thin scrap ply is a good backboard for the framing to complete the box like construction. Don’t forget to drill a hole in the back board dead centre as in figure 25A, to suit the lug on the inboard end of the cannon.