myhr99 Posted January 2, 2018 #1 Posted January 2, 2018 I've read when the original frigates were built, they had single wheels (the USS CONSTITUTION in Boston now has a double wheel). What would the single wheel arrangement look like? Quote
michaelpsutton2 Posted January 2, 2018 #2 Posted January 2, 2018 Pretty much like the double but there would only be a wheel at the foreward end of the barrel. Here is the wheel on the inboard works of the Seaford class sloop HMS Rose of 1757. Think similar but larger mtaylor 1 Quote Drown you may, but go you must and your reward shall be a man's pay or a hero's grave
myhr99 Posted January 3, 2018 Author #3 Posted January 3, 2018 Nice!! Thank you, Michael!! mtaylor 1 Quote
michaelpsutton2 Posted January 3, 2018 #4 Posted January 3, 2018 Every example I have of a single wheel is for a vessel either much smaller or about 20 years earlier than the US 44 gun frigates. I would double check my sources. Quote Drown you may, but go you must and your reward shall be a man's pay or a hero's grave
trippwj Posted January 3, 2018 #5 Posted January 3, 2018 Where was the single wheel mentioned? That seems odd for the period and the designer. mtaylor and CaptainSteve 2 Quote WayneNeither should a ship rely on one small anchor, nor should life rest on a single hope.Epictetus
myhr99 Posted January 3, 2018 Author #6 Posted January 3, 2018 'k, thanx! I probably misinterpreted the reference... In "Constitution Close Up: Minutiae for the Modeler and Artist" by Cmdr Tyrone G. Martin, U.S. Navy (retired}, he writes "1804 - Ship fitted with single wheel. [Quarter Bill, American Antiquarian Society.] Inferred from the fact that the bill provides for only two men on the wheel." And then "Feb 1809 - Ship fitted with double wheel. [Midshipman John M. Funck Quarter Bill, USSCM.] Inferred from the fact that four men are provided for the wheel." Maybe the ship's wheel was damaged and they had to use a single until proper repairs were made...? mtaylor 1 Quote
uss frolick Posted January 3, 2018 #7 Posted January 3, 2018 A ship of 1500 tons would need enough 'spoke-space', if you will, for four men in rough weather, if needed. A single wheel wouldn't give enough purchase for a ship of the USS Constitution's class. She displaced nearly enough water as a British 74. The USS Wasp of 1806, however, is thought to have had a single wheel, but she was only 500 tons. CaptainSteve and mtaylor 2 Quote
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