Anchor Question

[_SalD_]

The anchor that came with my kit, Model Shipways ‘Phantom’, has what appears to be a bar or pipe attached to it.  See picture with arrow pointing to bar.  I tried to find out what it was by googling ‘anchor’ but had no luck.  Not knowing what it is or what it’s called sort of limited my search ability.  I also searched this forum with no luck either.  In a roundabout way of asking, I would like to know what it’s called, if it has a name, and what its purpose is.  Thanks

 

[kurtvd19]

Sal:

Check the drawing below.  I believe the piece you are referring to is the stock with the keep pin removed and the stock moved to the left in the photo with the stock them dropping into place alongside the shank of the anchor with the ball at the bent end of the stock keeping the stock from passing through the eye of the shank.

 

 

[_SalD_]

Hi Jud,

 

If you look close at the picture you can see that it's part of the anchor and not leftover from the casting.  It runs the full length of the anchor.

[_SalD_]

Kurt,

 

Thanks.  I looked at that very picture a dozen times and it never dawned on me (pointing two fingers at head and pulling trigger).

[MEDDO]

I agree with Kurt. It is the stock as shown in the picture. It needs to be lifted up and slid across to form the anchor.

Edited July 24, 2014 by MEDDO

[Stockholm tar]

Sal,

 

I believe Kurt is correct. From what I can see in the photograph, this would actually appear to be the 'stock' for this type of anchor, ie. a smaller or kedge type. The stock is also iron, and roughly as long as the anchor is. It passes through the top of the anchor 'shank', being held by a swelling at the end, and is thus hinged, so that it can be closed along the anchor shank for stowage. When in use, the stock is pushed up through the head of the anchor, until it comes up against a swelling in the middle of it, and is then normally fixed in place by a pin or forelock. The stock is then at its mid point on the anchor, with the arms on each side being equidistant.

 

The stock is set at right angles to the 'flukes' (the bits that dig in) and it's job is to turn the anchor over on the sea bed, so that this will happen. Larger ships had fixed stocks, which for those of Victory's period were wooden.

Edited July 24, 2014 by Stockholm tar

[_SalD_]

Kester,

 

Thanks for all the information.  It makes sense now.  Sometimes I'm a little slow but I usually catch on after a while.

[jud]

 Thought it was a sprue at first glance, a closer look, after reading other posts I look a second look and agree its the stock.

jud

Edited July 24, 2014 by jud

[JerseyCity Frankie]

This very common style of folding stock anchor is known as a Fisherman's Anchor. Its folding stock allows it to adopt a more or less flat aspect aboard the ship when not in use on the sea floor.

[Force9]

More commonly referred to as a "Kedge Anchor" back in the day. Smaller vessels might use these for more common anchoring tasks... larger vessels would use these for light duty - usually to warp the ship around in harbors or shallow anchorages.  Also used to pull a ship thru narrow passages or rivers.