HMS Harpy 1796 by Blue Ensign – Vanguard Models - 1:64 scale

[AON]

As important, could someone explain how the anchor could be raised (man handled) in such a short distance between the hawse pipes and the forward grating when the capstan is way back aft?

Seriously, I'd like to know.

I don't understand.

[Blue Ensign]

Thank you, Alan,

I can’t reconcile the set-up either.

Such an arrangement seems more appropriate to smaller vessels where a windlass is used to raise the anchor and also act as the riding bitts.

075

This arrangement on my Pickle build makes more sense, altho’ I did puzzle about the use of Navel pipes in that era, but visually it worked for me.

 

Thanks for chipping in Richard, your Harpy is looking very good.👍

The photo’s indeed clearly show the problem, how is the cable to be handled in that short space. The large cable rising vertically thro’ a very small grating so close to the stove, just doesn’t sit right to my eye.

Using the Riding bitts does involve using the bitt post as well as the cross piece.

 

As you gain knowledge of the subject over the years it becomes harder to ignore apparent discrepancies but then find you can’t resolve them because of gaps in historical information.🙄

The Harpy set-up is a mystery to me, but I will dodge the issue by not fitting anchor cables. Were it fully decked I would have run the cables down thro’ the Main Hatch.

 

To keep things in perspective this is a minor fitting on the model that doesn’t detract from the overall appeal of Harpy.

I have made many changes to my kit for my own interest that the casual eye wouldn’t even notice.

I very much doubt that in many years ahead nautical historians will be poring over my model wondering why did he do that!

 

Regards,

 

B.E.

 

 

[Richard44]

18 hours ago, Blue Ensign said:

Thanks for chipping in Richard, your Harpy is looking very good.

Thanks for the compliment Maurice.

[Blue Ensign]

Post 104

At this point I am attending to small additions and tweaks as the model nears completion.

5238a

5235a

The stanchions and guard rails are added to the Mast tops, a perfect fit with nicely shaped rails in Pearwood.

5271b

The Iron horse has been added to the transom.

I am still pondering whether to add limited rigging to the booms and fit the sheets.

5266a

I added Entry steps stanchions, not sure if they were indicated on the plans, but I have a lot of these items in my spares box.

5277a

The Rudder chains are added but I have omitted the pendents.

The chains of 1mm size were in my chain stock.

5253a

5265a

5261a

I had to re-visit the stern davit rigging which had become twisted. Attaching the boat is like working one of those Fairground crane grab machines, multiple goes, but at least success is obtained eventually.

5279a

5280a

The one major job remaining is attaching the Ratlines, what deep joy.

 

 B.E.

04/08/2025

[hollowneck]

Looking excellent, Maurice.

Indeed, the ecstasy of toiling with ratlines awaits you. Suggestion: you can avoid this task by simply threading and weaving more sweeps between the shrouds...you've got a good start on the port foremast!🤣

[Blue Ensign]

Ah if only it were that simple Ron, all the best riggers set up with oars don’t you know.😉

ps that’s oars with an ‘o’ not a ‘w’

 

M.