Main jeer and topsail Bitts for HMS Diana 1794

[DaveBaxt]

I am currently in the process of fitting the above but I am somewhat confused as to the design of these and why they are fitted to the lower gun deck and how are the ropes accessible.? First off, are the bitt pins fitted with sheaves and whether or not the cross beam would be fitted with any belaying pins? Although I do not totally understand the drawings of the AOTS belaying plan I believe that that they do carry both sheaves on both the main top sail bitts (2) and (1) on the jeer bitts together with 2 belaying pins on the Main top sail bitts..

           Whats confusing is that according to the Caldercraft instructions the Topsail haliyard and the main jeers ropes go to the fore brace bitts which is on the top deck which are accessible.If this is the case  why have the bitts under the top deck? So  what am I missing ? Best regards Dave

Edited January 18, 2024 by DaveBaxt