uss frolick

BITT SCREWS, LONG GUN:
 
"Gun Furniture Continued.
 
Bitt Screw,
 
The screw to be two thirds the diameter of the bore of the piece in Length
Two thirds of an inch in diameter.
To be made of German Steel.
 
 
Caliber/ Length in Inches, Tenths of an inch / Diameter in the Clear, Inches 
   
42 Pdr,     4,  6 / 2 
32  "         4,  2 / 2 
24  "         3,  8 / 2 
18  "         3,  4 / 2 
12  "         3,   0 / 2 
 9   "         2,   8 /  2   
 6   "         2,   4 / 2 "
 
BITT HANDLES, LONG GUN:
 
"Bitt Handles
 
The handles, two thirds the diameter of the bore of the piece in length
To be made of seasoned oak, in the shape of a butchers steel handle
The bitt is to come through the handle and rivit on the upper part
Let the rivit be countersunk, with a copper firuly [A Ferrule, perhaps ? This is a metal ring or cap used to strengthen a slender wooden pole] on the lower part of the handle.]
 
 
Caliber/ Length in Inches, Tenths of an inch 
   
42 Pdr,    4, 6  
32  "        4,  2  
24  "        3,  8  
18  "        3,  4  
12  "        3,  0 
 9   "        2,  8 
 6   "        2,  4 "
 
WORMS, LONG GUN:
 
"Worms,
 
The same diameter as the shot of the piece
One and three fourths the diameter of the bore of the piece in length
 
 
Caliber/ Length in Inches, Tenths of an inch / Diameter in the Clear, Inches, Tenths
   
42 Pdr,    5,  1 / 6, 8
32  "        4,  8 / 6, 2
24  "        4,  2 / 5, 6
18  "        3,  9 / 5, 1
12  "         3,  6 / 4, 5
 9   "         3,  0/  4, 0
 6   "         2,  7 / 3, 5"

Next page. This document is not bound, nor are the pages numbered. I am listing them in the order given to me twenty years ago. Since all the Gun's dimensions are listed together separately from the Carronade's, I will assume that this is still in some logical order.
 
SPONGE BLOCK, LONG GUN: [Note: NOT Sponge Bob!]
 
"Sponges, Blocks,
 
The same diameter of the shot of the caliber below the caliber [of the piece].
[if ] the sponge is intended [to be] Viz. a 32-pounders sponge, [then the] blocks ought to be the diameter of a 24 pounder shot.
One and two thirds the diameter the diameter of the bore of the piece in length.
 
To be made of a poplar wood with a secret worms.
 
[i don't know what a 'secret worm' is, but the carronade's sponge block doesn't have one. Maybe he's a friend of Sponge Bob.]
 
Caliber/ Length in Inches, Tenths of an inch / Diameter in the Clear, Inches, Tenths
   
42 Pdr,    11,  6 / 6, 2
32  "        10,  6 / 5, 6
24  "         9,  6 / 5, 1
18  "         8,  7 / 4, 5
12  "         8,  7 / 4, 0
 9   "         7,  0 /  3, 5
 6   "         6,  1 / 3, 2"
 
SPONGE STAFF, LONG GUN:

"Sponges, Staffs,
 
Three diameters of the bore of the piece longer than the bore of the piece [in Length - important omission!]
One fourth the Diameter of the bore of the piece in Diameter.
To be made of Ashe Wood.
 
Caliber/Length in feet, inches / Diameter Inches, tenths of an inch
 
42 Pdr,  11,  8  / 1, 7
32  "      10,  8  / 1, 6
24  "        9,  8  / 1, 4
18  "        8, 10 / 1, 3
12  "        7, 10 / 1, 2
 9   "        7,   0 / 1, 0
 6   "        6,   2 / 0, 9"
 
[Note: Above Identical to rammer staff dimensions, except for 6 pounders.]
 
SPIKES FOR TOMPIONS, LONG GUN:
[i'm not sure what this is ... Perhaps the tompion was hammered so hard in place to keep the water out, that they needed a chisel to remove it?]
 
 
"Spikes, for Tompions,
 
One and a half the diameter of the bore of the piece in Length.
One eighth the diameter of the bore of the piece in Diameter, with a smooth round head a narrow chisel end, a little turned up."
 
Caliber/ Length in Inches, Tenths of an inch / Diameter in the Clear, Inches, Tenths
   
42 Pdr,    10,  5 / 9, 0
32  "         9,   6 / 8, 0
24  "         8,   7 / 7, 0
18  "         7,   9 / 6, 0
12  "         7,   0 / 6, 0
 9   "         6,   3/  5, 0
 6   "         5,   5 / 5, 0"

I found this document in the National Archives, "Record Group 45,, Office of Naval records and Library, Subject File, 1775-1910." Specifically in "Box Number 139", while researching my Johnston Blakeley biography. Since it looked kinda cool, I had a copy made. Good thing I did, because I don't believe such a document appears in print elsewhere.
 
The documents' full title is "Dimensions of Gun Furniture by Caliber and Length of the Gun, 1821-24." The authors name is not recorded.
 
It is very long, and I almost regret volunteering to transpose it here. But the information is very useful for ship modeling, especially in larger scales.
 
It is divided up separately for long-gun and carronades.
 
Although it is dated 1821-24, I believe it is applicable for all navies, plus or minus at least a generation, probably more. Note on the Staff Table below. They have assumed a length for a standard long gun of the period, but long guns vary greatly in length, and since the staff length is a function of the bore, the staff will be unique to that gun. (Example: There were long nine-pounders that vary in length from five feet long to nine feet long, and the staff must be long enough to push the charge all the way back).
 
I will be copying one page at a time, as time allows. Here it goes 
 
RAMMERS, LONG GUNS:
 
"Rammer Heads: The Same Diameter of the Shot. One and one half the diameter of the Bore of the piece in Length. To be made of seasoned oak. With a score to receive a copper [feruly ? [A Ferrule, perhaps? This is a metal ring or cap used to strengthen a slender wooden pole] on the end next to the staff, and another for a seizing.
 
 
Caliber/ Length in Inches, Tenths of an inch / Diameter Inches, Tenths
   
42 Pdr,  10,  5 / 6, 8
32  "        9,  6 / 6, 2
24  "        8,  7 / 5, 6
18  "        7,  9 / 5, 1
12  "        7,  0 / 4, 5
 9   "        6,  3/  4, 0
 6   "        5,  5 / 3, 5
 
 
Rammers, Staff: Three diameters of the bore of the piece longer than the bore of the piece, one fourth of the bore of the piece in diameter. To be made of Ashe Wood.
 
Caliber/Length in feet, inches / Diameter Inches, tenths of an inch
 
42 Pdr,  11,  8  / 1, 7
32  "      10,  8  / 1, 6
24  "        9,  8  / 1, 4
18  "        8, 10 / 1, 3
12  "        7, 10 / 1, 2
 9   "        7,   0 / 1, 0
 6   "        6,   2 / 0, 8"
 
Also on the same page,
 
PASSING BOXES, LONG GUNS:
 
"Passing Boxes
 
Two diameters of the bore of the piece in length and the diameter of the bore of the piece in the clear. To be made of leather, three parts, tanned [?].
They are to be slung with green hide, laid up as a piece of rattling. the cover to overlap two-fifths, the diameter of the bore of the piece. To be rivitted with copper rivits with a piece of poplar wood half an inch thick fixed in the bottom.
 
 
 
Caliber/ Length in Inches, Tenths of an inch / Diameter in the Clear, Inches, Tenths
   
42 Pdr,    14,  0 / 7, 0
32  "        12,  8 / 6, 4
24  "        11,  6 / 5, 8
18  "        10,  6 / 5, 3
12  "         9,   4 / 4, 7
 9   "         8,   4/  4, 2
 6   "         7,   4 / 3, 7"

I found this document in the National Archives, "Record Group 45,, Office of Naval records and Library, Subject File, 1775-1910." Specifically in "Box Number 139", while researching my Johnston Blakeley biography. Since it looked kinda cool, I had a copy made. Good thing I did, because I don't believe such a document appears in print elsewhere.
 
The documents' full title is "Dimensions of Gun Furniture by Caliber and Length of the Gun, 1821-24." The authors name is not recorded.
 
It is very long, and I almost regret volunteering to transpose it here. But the information is very useful for ship modeling, especially in larger scales.
 
It is divided up separately for long-gun and carronades.
 
Although it is dated 1821-24, I believe it is applicable for all navies, plus or minus at least a generation, probably more. Note on the Staff Table below. They have assumed a length for a standard long gun of the period, but long guns vary greatly in length, and since the staff length is a function of the bore, the staff will be unique to that gun. (Example: There were long nine-pounders that vary in length from five feet long to nine feet long, and the staff must be long enough to push the charge all the way back).
 
I will be copying one page at a time, as time allows. Here it goes 
 
RAMMERS, LONG GUNS:
 
"Rammer Heads: The Same Diameter of the Shot. One and one half the diameter of the Bore of the piece in Length. To be made of seasoned oak. With a score to receive a copper [feruly ? [A Ferrule, perhaps? This is a metal ring or cap used to strengthen a slender wooden pole] on the end next to the staff, and another for a seizing.
 
 
Caliber/ Length in Inches, Tenths of an inch / Diameter Inches, Tenths
   
42 Pdr,  10,  5 / 6, 8
32  "        9,  6 / 6, 2
24  "        8,  7 / 5, 6
18  "        7,  9 / 5, 1
12  "        7,  0 / 4, 5
 9   "        6,  3/  4, 0
 6   "        5,  5 / 3, 5
 
 
Rammers, Staff: Three diameters of the bore of the piece longer than the bore of the piece, one fourth of the bore of the piece in diameter. To be made of Ashe Wood.
 
Caliber/Length in feet, inches / Diameter Inches, tenths of an inch
 
42 Pdr,  11,  8  / 1, 7
32  "      10,  8  / 1, 6
24  "        9,  8  / 1, 4
18  "        8, 10 / 1, 3
12  "        7, 10 / 1, 2
 9   "        7,   0 / 1, 0
 6   "        6,   2 / 0, 8"
 
Also on the same page,
 
PASSING BOXES, LONG GUNS:
 
"Passing Boxes
 
Two diameters of the bore of the piece in length and the diameter of the bore of the piece in the clear. To be made of leather, three parts, tanned [?].
They are to be slung with green hide, laid up as a piece of rattling. the cover to overlap two-fifths, the diameter of the bore of the piece. To be rivitted with copper rivits with a piece of poplar wood half an inch thick fixed in the bottom.
 
 
 
Caliber/ Length in Inches, Tenths of an inch / Diameter in the Clear, Inches, Tenths
   
42 Pdr,    14,  0 / 7, 0
32  "        12,  8 / 6, 4
24  "        11,  6 / 5, 8
18  "        10,  6 / 5, 3
12  "         9,   4 / 4, 7
 9   "         8,   4/  4, 2
 6   "         7,   4 / 3, 7"

I found this document in the National Archives, "Record Group 45,, Office of Naval records and Library, Subject File, 1775-1910." Specifically in "Box Number 139", while researching my Johnston Blakeley biography. Since it looked kinda cool, I had a copy made. Good thing I did, because I don't believe such a document appears in print elsewhere.
 
The documents' full title is "Dimensions of Gun Furniture by Caliber and Length of the Gun, 1821-24." The authors name is not recorded.
 
It is very long, and I almost regret volunteering to transpose it here. But the information is very useful for ship modeling, especially in larger scales.
 
It is divided up separately for long-gun and carronades.
 
Although it is dated 1821-24, I believe it is applicable for all navies, plus or minus at least a generation, probably more. Note on the Staff Table below. They have assumed a length for a standard long gun of the period, but long guns vary greatly in length, and since the staff length is a function of the bore, the staff will be unique to that gun. (Example: There were long nine-pounders that vary in length from five feet long to nine feet long, and the staff must be long enough to push the charge all the way back).
 
I will be copying one page at a time, as time allows. Here it goes 
 
RAMMERS, LONG GUNS:
 
"Rammer Heads: The Same Diameter of the Shot. One and one half the diameter of the Bore of the piece in Length. To be made of seasoned oak. With a score to receive a copper [feruly ? [A Ferrule, perhaps? This is a metal ring or cap used to strengthen a slender wooden pole] on the end next to the staff, and another for a seizing.
 
 
Caliber/ Length in Inches, Tenths of an inch / Diameter Inches, Tenths
   
42 Pdr,  10,  5 / 6, 8
32  "        9,  6 / 6, 2
24  "        8,  7 / 5, 6
18  "        7,  9 / 5, 1
12  "        7,  0 / 4, 5
 9   "        6,  3/  4, 0
 6   "        5,  5 / 3, 5
 
 
Rammers, Staff: Three diameters of the bore of the piece longer than the bore of the piece, one fourth of the bore of the piece in diameter. To be made of Ashe Wood.
 
Caliber/Length in feet, inches / Diameter Inches, tenths of an inch
 
42 Pdr,  11,  8  / 1, 7
32  "      10,  8  / 1, 6
24  "        9,  8  / 1, 4
18  "        8, 10 / 1, 3
12  "        7, 10 / 1, 2
 9   "        7,   0 / 1, 0
 6   "        6,   2 / 0, 8"
 
Also on the same page,
 
PASSING BOXES, LONG GUNS:
 
"Passing Boxes
 
Two diameters of the bore of the piece in length and the diameter of the bore of the piece in the clear. To be made of leather, three parts, tanned [?].
They are to be slung with green hide, laid up as a piece of rattling. the cover to overlap two-fifths, the diameter of the bore of the piece. To be rivitted with copper rivits with a piece of poplar wood half an inch thick fixed in the bottom.
 
 
 
Caliber/ Length in Inches, Tenths of an inch / Diameter in the Clear, Inches, Tenths
   
42 Pdr,    14,  0 / 7, 0
32  "        12,  8 / 6, 4
24  "        11,  6 / 5, 8
18  "        10,  6 / 5, 3
12  "         9,   4 / 4, 7
 9   "         8,   4/  4, 2
 6   "         7,   4 / 3, 7"

I have just such a handwritten document for the US Navy, circa 1820 for both "guns" and "carronades" . (Chorus: "Jeez Frolick, is there anything you don't have?") But it is too long to transpose it here, at least for now. Is there one item specifically that you're looking for?
 
Here's an example for match tubs:
 
Carronades:
 
"Match tubs: One and one half diameter of the bore of the piece in height; Two diameters of the bore of the piece is the diameter of the bottom; One and a half the diameter of the bore of the piece is the head; to have two iron hoops; the head sunk one inch in with the holes in it; the staves to be made of oak; head and bottom of pine."
 
Then there is a little table listed out to "tenths of an inch". 24-pounder Carronade tubs, for example, would be:
 
" Height 8 inches, 7 tenths;
Diameter of head 8 inches, 7 tenths;
Diameter of bottom 11 inches, 6 tenths."
 
I believe the 24-pounder's bore diameter is about 5 1/4 inches.
 
For long-guns match-tubs, the formula is different:
 
"Match Tubs: One and three fourths the diameter of the bore of the piece in height
Two and one fifth the bore of the diameter of the piece is the diameter of the bottom
One and three fourths the diameter of the bore of the piece is the diameter of the head. To be made of oak staves, the head and bottom of pine; 3 iron hoops; the head sunk in one inch, with three holes in it."
 
I assume that the carronade match-tubs would have had three holes also, even though is wasn't mentioned.
 
Therefore, from a separate table, a long 24-pounder's match tub would have been:
 
"Diameter of the head  10 inches, 0 tenths;
Diameter of the bottom  12 inches, 7 tenths; 
Height 10 inches, 0 tenths."

If you play the Movie 'Titanic' backwards, it's about a magic ship that saves people ...

This is the model as she sits now.

That makes sense. Although a stretched 20-gun Cruiser would have looked really cool ...

It seems likely to me that James confused the two Primroses and thought of them as the same brig.

I wonder if perhaps James was referring to the 1810 HMS Primrose.  Winfield shows it as being 108 feet, designed by Henry Peake (as opposed to the others in the Cruizer class based on a design by Sir Wm. Rule, including the 1807 Primrose that was lost in 1808).  Given James was referring to events in the 1812-1814 timeframe, would make sense to be referring to the second Primrose not the one that was lost years previous to the war.

The book is in French - a language that I do not speak - but it is one of the most informative books in my library due to the excellent large color photographs. I bought Volume One, ten years ago, and it is masterful in its own right. But this has so many models that are historically important to me that I feel I must share my thoughts. I will mention some, but not all of Volume 2's many vessels.
 
L'Egyptienne, 1798, Frigate de 24.
 
Here is a beautiful, powerful, but forgotten ship. She was captured intact after the fall of Alexandria Egypt in 1801. The model is very accurate, but there are also British Admiralty drafts of her available. She is less known than her famous sister frigate La Forte, of 1794. She was noteworthy for having been part of a small French frigate squadron that defeated a more powerful British squadron in the Indian Ocean, whose ranks included a 74 gun ship. Forte was later taken in an epic bloody nighttime battle against the 18-pounder frigate, HMS La Sybille.
 
What makes these two ships so important? They were about 170 feet long between perpendiculars, and  both carried batteries of thirty long 24 pounders on their main deck. They were as powerful as, and they look very much like, the Frigate Constitution and her sisters. But they were afloat and famous years before plans for the Yankees were even drawn up, let alone launched. Were they an influence on the American designers? They must have been ...
 
The Egyptienne model is done admiralty style, in unpainted wood at 1:36 scale, and it is very complete. It is rigged, and there is a full interior, viewable through removable sections of planked hull, that reveal cables, casks, ballast, etc stacked beneath. The carvings are shown on the stern, but the figure head was either removed or it fell off. It is shown on the Admiralty draught, though. Every little deck detail and obscure piece of rigging is shown. She has ten windows across her stern, the out four being fakes.
 
Historical note: There were two other french 24 pounder frigates built at the same time of a radical design: La Resistance and La Vengeance. The latter frigate fought the Constellation in 1800, after exchanging her long 24's out for long 18's. I have the NMM draught of La Resistance, later HMS Fisgard. Her figurehead is of a young topless woman with no arms - hardly the symbol of resistance!
 
La Renommee, 1806, Frigate de 18.
 
This model was the reason I bought the book. She was captured off the Ilse de France in 1811 and taken into the Royal Navy as HMS Java. She was the very ship that fought the Constitution. There are thirty photos of her. 
 
Anyone wanting to build a model of either of the Connies' big foes are in for a disappointment. Admiralty draughts of neither the Guerriere nor the Java survive. You would have to reconstruct them from other plans of similar French prizes in the Royal Navy.
 
Boudroit claims that Renommee was a standard Joel Sane' designed 18 pounder frigate. I've seen enough plans of Sane frigates through the years to know that this is not true. This model show several features not seen in other Sane ships. Her stern is unusually upright, lacking that extreme Sane rake. Her stem post is oddly shaped, and although it is hard to tell from the photographs, she may have an old fashioned, beak-head bulkhead stem, as did La Clorlinde, with whom she was sailing when captured. I believe that she was a Forfait designed frigate. I have found an Admiralty draught of another frigate, built in the same city and at about the same time, that looks a lot like this model.
 
La Renommee has eight windows across her stern, the outermost pair being fakes. Sound familiar? But all Sane's frigates had an odd number of windows.
 
This 1:48 model is rigged, and has much minute deck detail. She even has a windsail rigged to bring fresh air below decks.
 
Dr. Herbert. You mentioned that you have this book. Does Renommee looks as though she has a beak-head bulkhead to you?
 
La Belle Poule, 1822: 
 
La Belle Poule is a massive, 60-gun spar decked 30-pounder frigate. She is of the size and force as that of the 44-gun American Potomac/Columbia/Raritan Class of super-frigate. Of the American ships, there is very little in detail that survives from the interwar period, other than just the lines decks and profile plans. On the 1:40 scale model of La Belle Poule, everything is shown, from deck houses to ships boats to special cones and baskets designed to hold coiled rigging. There are scale scuttle butts, match tubs, horse blocks, and all brass binnacles. I cannot overstate the importance of this and other french models in this regard. There is AUTHENTIC CONTEMPORARY detail here, that is not available elsewhere on British models or plans. It is not just French Navy detail. I believe these small items of sailing gear to have been mostly universal by this point. I've seen that wooden rigging basket in a real photo of an 1860s American sail frigate's spar deck. Her gun ports are two piece hinged affairs, just like Connie has now. 
 
This was a transitional period, where iron fittings were just being introduced. The brass skylight gratings and brass companionway cover frames are beautifully done and apply to ships of other nations.
 
According to this model, the old French practice of rigging her carronade breechings in a continuos loop that ran outboard in a trough, had been discontinued for the standard English breeching. The Brig Cygne (the Swan), also shown in this book, shows the old method. It was originally designed to keep even tension on the breech no matter which angle the gun was traversed. But it probably proved vulnerable and impossible to repair during an action.
 
 
All the above statements apply to the double decked, spar-decked La Tage, rated 100 guns, which, for all practical purposes, could be the North Carolina or the Ohio or the Vermont, American 74's.  La Tage is a 1: 40 scale rigged, waterline model with a flotilla of ships boats displayed floating along side her. La Tage and her capital class have an unusual feature. The forward bow is double planked! The doubling starts before the fore mast, extending forward, and bends over the rabbit of the stem post and continues all the way across the stem. The white painted gun-deck stripes also continue across the entire stem post. I guess this was done to protect the planks butt heads mortised into the stem post, but that's one hell of a corner to have to bend planks into! Ships carvings, flag lockers, hammock netting decorative batten patterns are there in abundance. La Tage has a light weight metal stern gallery (Which the USS Vermont got in her later years) that has zig-zagged deck planking!
 
The 120 gun four-decker La Valmey is more of the same. Imagine, if you will, the USS Pennsylvania.
 
There are many smaller vessels too. An all of them are completely rigged to the finest detail.
 
If you could go back in time with a color film camera, and walk the decks of French Naval vessels, I doubt you could record as much information as there is presented in this book.
 
These two volumes are destined to be future, rare classics. At $139 shipped each, they are well worth it.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

I just received my online Ancre order, "Musee de la Marine: Modeles Historiques, Tome 2", two weeks after placing it with no problems. Review to come.

There is an 1802 watercolour of the flush-decked Ship Jason of Boston by Antoine Roux showing her with her boarding nettings rigged. They appear to be secured somehow to the outer, lower level of the hammock cranes. They do not appear to extend down far enough to cover over the gun ports.
 
Midshipman James Fenimore Cooper described the boarding nettings fitted to the Constellation in 1813:
 
"The boarding nettings were made of  twenty-one thread ratlin stuff, that had been boiled in half made pitch, which rendered it so hard as almost to defy the knife. To give greater security, nail rods and small chains were secured to the netting, in lines about three feet apart. Instead of tricing to the rigging,  this netting was spread outboard, towards the yard arms, rising about twenty five feet above the deck. To the outer rope, or ridge line of the netting, were secured pieces of kentledge, with the idea that by cutting the tricing lines when the enemy should get along side, his boats and men might be caught beneath, by the fall of the weights."
 
See, "Boarders Away with Steel, Volume 1, Edged Weapons and Pole Arms", by William Gilkerson, Andrew Mobray Publishing, page 53.

If you play the Movie 'Titanic' backwards, it's about a magic ship that saves people ...

I'd like to thank everyone who has become involved or shown an interest in the new ESSEX kit from Model Expo.
 
Obviously as a Designer I strived to produce a kit that when completed will be a model the builder can be proud of. I believe I've achieved that as the finished product represents. Unfortunately it's become apparent that there are (for whatever reason) some parts that are incorrect in the kit as being produced. Let me state that both Model Expo and myself are fully committed to correcting this situation. When complete I will work with Model Expo to see that this does not happen again with projects I am associated with to the best of my abilities.
 
I have (just) received a complete kit as produced by Model Expo and will will be reviewing the components of it to identify and address any incorrect parts. Once I believe that I've accomplished this task it will fall into the capable hands of Model Expo to honor the purchases made.
 
That's what this thread and the task in front of me is for. 
 
To that end there are (in response to a number of requests or suggestions) a number of things that this is NOT ABOUT..........
 
This is not a re-design of the kit or an opportunity to upgrade the offering.  This is not about inclusion of different castings, blocks, line, wood stock, etc. Those components (and others) are out of my control and are the sole provence of Model Expo. I have, when asked conveyed individuals suggestions and findings to Model Expo but that is the extent of my influence.
 
Additionally I am not rebuilding ESSEX. I will be testing parts for correct size, and stock weight and inclusion. I will be cross referencing drawings and manual as necessary to make sure that all information corroborates. 
 
This is not an opportunity for a group design - ESSEX is already designed (and looks pretty good when completed). If there is a process, method, sequence or approach that you as a builder do not care for or agree with you are entitled to your opinion(s). I in no way believe I have the market cornered on what is correct (to be honest I don't believe that there is a correct way of doing things in our mutual endeavors). Everyone does things differently. The way I have offered and suggest to the builder to achieve what is in front of them is just that - a suggestion. As it is with any kit and any Designer.............
 
Lastly, this is not about assigning blame to either Model Expo or myself. Rest assured we will collectively figure out what happened.
 
I will do my very best to move expediently through the process and work with Model Expo to get things corrected as quickly as possible. 
 
Thank you for all your interest, support, suggestions, encouragement and friendship. Please keep checking back for progress and updates. 
 
This is what really makes MSW great!
 
ESSEX didn't give up without one hell of a fight at Valparaiso - neither will I.
 
Samuel Cassano, Jr. 
Designer, ESSEX
 

Ordered it through Ancre! There goes this month's grog budget ... 

If you loved Volume I, you will love Volume II. It is just as beautiful in terms of photography and text.It's interesting to note the differences in building and displaying models between the French and British during this period.

Frolick and Robin -
 
I do not have a copy but was able to locate the Table of Contents on the Ancre website at
http://www.ancre.fr/Product.aspx?ID=3735245&L=EN
 
Here is the TOC after Google Translate did it's thing.
 
FOREWORD ...... 5
TO OUR READERS ...... 7-8
LOUIS XV Ship three bridges - 1700 (32 photos) ......... 10-31
MINERVA World Galley - 1746 (27 photos) ......... 32-53
MONKEY
Xebeck 20 guns - 1762 (24 photos) ...................... 54-71
The EGYPTIAN
Frigate 24-1798 (20 photos) ............................ 72-87
FAME
Frigate 18-1806 (30 photos) ........................... 88-107
THE SWAN
Brick 16-1806 (17 photos) ............................ 108-123
NORMAN
Flute 800 tons - 1811 (29photos) .................... 124-145
THE STEP-HEN
Frigate 60 guns - 1822 (37 photos) ............ 146-169
THE TOULONNAISE
Schooner six carronades - 1823 (18 photos) ................ 170-183
THE FLOOR
Ship of 100 - 1824 (31 photos) ........................ 184-207
The ALCESTE
Frigate of 52 guns - 1828 (26 photos) ............. 208-227
THE CUTTER
14 carronades 12-1830 (20 photos) ..................... 228-241
THE VALMY
Ship of 120 - 1836 (42 photos) ....................... 242-273
GLOSSARY ................................................. 274 to 279
TECHNICAL NOTES ........................................ 280-286
 
And here is the original French version
 
AVANT PROPOS ......5A
NOS LECTEURS ......7 à 8
LE LOUIS XV Vaisseau trois-ponts - 1700 (32 photos) ......... 10 à 31
LA MINERVE Le monde des Galères - 1746 (27 photos) ......... 32 à 53
LE SINGE
Chebec de 20 canons - 1762 (24 photos)...................... 54 à 71
L’EGYPTIENNE
Frégate de 24 - 1798 (20 photos) ............................ 72 à 87
LA RENOMMÉE
Frégate de 18 - 1806 (30 photos) ........................... 88 à 107
LE CYGNE
Brick de 16 - 1806 (17 photos) ............................ 108 à 123
LA NORMANDE
Flûte de 800 tonneaux - 1811 (29photos).................... 124 à 145
LA BELLE-POULE
Frégate de 60 bouches à feu - 1822 (37 photos)............ 146 à 169
LA TOULONNAISE
Goélette de 6 caronades - 1823 (18 photos)................ 170 à 183
LE TAGE
Vaisseau de 100 - 1824 (31 photos) ........................ 184 à 207
L’ALCESTE
Frégate de 52 bouches à feu - 1828 (26 photos)............. 208 à 227
LE COTRE
14 caronades de 12 - 1830 (20 photos) ..................... 228 à 241
LE VALMY
Vaisseau de 120 - 1836 (42 photos) ....................... 242 à 273
GLOSSAIRE................................................. 274 à 279
NOTICES TECHNIQUES........................................ 280 à 286
 
 
 

There is an 1802 watercolour of the flush-decked Ship Jason of Boston by Antoine Roux showing her with her boarding nettings rigged. They appear to be secured somehow to the outer, lower level of the hammock cranes. They do not appear to extend down far enough to cover over the gun ports.
 
Midshipman James Fenimore Cooper described the boarding nettings fitted to the Constellation in 1813:
 
"The boarding nettings were made of  twenty-one thread ratlin stuff, that had been boiled in half made pitch, which rendered it so hard as almost to defy the knife. To give greater security, nail rods and small chains were secured to the netting, in lines about three feet apart. Instead of tricing to the rigging,  this netting was spread outboard, towards the yard arms, rising about twenty five feet above the deck. To the outer rope, or ridge line of the netting, were secured pieces of kentledge, with the idea that by cutting the tricing lines when the enemy should get along side, his boats and men might be caught beneath, by the fall of the weights."
 
See, "Boarders Away with Steel, Volume 1, Edged Weapons and Pole Arms", by William Gilkerson, Andrew Mobray Publishing, page 53.

If you play the Movie 'Titanic' backwards, it's about a magic ship that saves people ...

If you play the Movie 'Titanic' backwards, it's about a magic ship that saves people ...

If you play the Movie 'Titanic' backwards, it's about a magic ship that saves people ...

If you play the Movie 'Titanic' backwards, it's about a magic ship that saves people ...

Just over 100 years ago the RMS Titanic sank in the North Atlantic with great loss of life. Since then the world has taken a much safer approach towards seagoing travel, shipbuilding, and safety at sea.
 
But the question always remained the same: What was the root cause of the world's most "unsinkable" ship to go to the bottom. Perhaps this year we finally have the answer to this - AND possibly the recovery of Amelia Earhart's plane.
 
While most of us go about our daily lives without too much ado, a small group of dedicated scientists, engineers, and research analysts have been quietly working to find the truth about Titanic.
 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=saHs6J0OXVI
 
In all fairness, I could hardly believe my eyes when I viewed this shocking revelation.