The Gunport Assemblies; The Dummy Barrels - Jotika H.M.S VICTORY 1805 Manual

When assembling and fitting the gunports, it is a good idea to concentrate on one deck at a time, starting from the top and work
down.
Identify the respective lids and hinges for each deck, and scuttle hinges for the lower gun deck. The outer face of each lid
should be painted black (along with the scuttles, rigols and hinges), the edges and inner face should be painted red.
Each lid is fitted with its corresponding hinges as shown on (Fig 025 & 026).
Note: The hinges are 'paired' and the upper 'tabs' facing away from each other. Also the hinges are positioned 1mm from the
gunport lid inside edge, allowing the hinge to butt up against the hull when the lid is positioned in the gunport recess.
Four brass etched eyelets (480) are fitted to each lid, two to the upper face through the hole in the end of each hinge and two as
close as possible directly opposite on the underside.
Note: the two eyelets on the upper face are at 90 degrees to the hull and the two on the underside are parallel to the hull, as
shown on (Fig 026).
When assembled, glue the gunport lid into the gunport lining recess. At a distance of approximately 6mm above the lid (you
will find exceptions to this, for example under the channels), in line with each hinge, drill a 0.5mm hole. Pass a length of
0.25mm natural thread into the hole and secure with super glue, secure the opposite end to the eyelet at the end of the hinge.
Trim any excess.
When convenient, referring to 'Arrangement of Rigols' on page 48, the appropriate rigol for each gunport is fitted to the hull,
between the gunport lid and the 0.5mm holes. Some of the rigols for the lower gun deck may intercept the wale, where this
happens, the section of wale should be removed to allow the rigol to sit flush against the hull, likewise areas of the wales will
need to be removed if they intersect gunport hinges. Also, where any rigols intercept with fenders, chesstrees or side steps, the
rigols themselves should be trimmed to fit.
The scuttles are made up of a 5mm length of 0.5x3mm walnut, glue the hinge to the walnut and glue the whole assembly to the
gunport lid (lower gun deck only), as shown (Fig 025 & 026).
Note: the second (from the stern) quarterdeck gunport lid is a double door as shown (Fig 025).
Lower Deck
Locate the dummy barrels (698 & 699). The 32pdr barrels are for the lower gun deck and the 24pdr barrels are for the middle
gun deck, paint the barrels black with red muzzles. With a 2mm drill, drill locating holes into the dummy barrel strips, through
the gunports. These holes need to be square and level as they dictate the angle of the dummy barrel. With all the holes drilled,
temporarily fit all of the dummy barrels, they should not all be pushed all the way into their locating holes, instead try to
position the barrels to follow a similar curve to the cannons on the upper gun deck. When you have achieved the desired effect,
remove one barrel at a time and re-secure it into position with super glue.
42

The Gunport Assemblies

Fig 025
Middle &
Upper Deck
Fig 026

The Dummy Barrels

©
2003 JoTiKa Ltd.
Quarterdeck Quarterdeck
Double Door