A few observations on the anchor. Since I am still waiting for my issue 2 I have had the time to do a little research!

I notice in the official build diary that we are expected to use a fishermens bend to bend the hawser onto the anchor ring.

According to 'Seamanship in the age of Sail' by John Harland, the fishermens bend might be used on a smaller kedge anchor however, assuming that the anchor in issue 2 is one of the bower anchors which are dominant features on the Victory model, it would be more correct to use an anchor clinch and cable bends.

Also looking at the anchor ring, it would appear that the ring is sufficiently large to consider 'puddening' the ring. One of the greatest problems with hemp cables was the chaffing which occured between the cable and the ring. Puddening consisted of wrapping tarred canvas round the ring and then binding it in place with lengths of 'stuff' wrapped around the ring. Looking at the illustration I thought I might wrap some thick thread around the ring before attaching the hawser.

If this kit is going to cost so much I am determined to make it as authentic as possible!

In the meantime I am scanning my inbox waiting for the news that my issue 2 might be on the way!!!!!!!!!!!!


Mike T

The above illustration is from Harland's book and shows the knot which he describes as a kind of running noose used specifically on the heaviest anchors. Victory's bower anchors were of the order of 100cwt each. (20cwt approx to a tonne)

As well as the anchor clinch, it shows the pudddening around the anchor ring. Until I get issue 2 and can see an anchor for myself, I'm thinking that I have some cobblers thread which is quite thick and will wind around the ring.

If there is room I might add the seizing using some thin thread. Will have to see.

You started this one Zeptrader by talking about kit bashing!!

i agree the more like the real thing the better . specialy as were spnding alot of money on this build in total . keep us up to date and more pics cheers

I think the puddening is a great idea and the seizings but I'm not convinced you'll get the seizings onto that small ring. I tried the puddening, quiet fiddly (if there is such a word) but I gave up on seizings.
I also bound the anchor stock with brass in lieu of the thin twine which was neither successful or sufficient.The brass bands I then secured by soldering and filing. Yet to be painted black.
Early availability of paint would be a bonus.

Weather permitting I'm planning on visiting the dockyard on Friday. I'll take some pics of what the anchors look like now if that would help?

John

Hi. Had a read through of the posts about anchors, and agree if its going to cost this much then lets have it right! So i decided to raid the tackle box!! had a play for a while, and this is what i came up with, i used 4lb braided fishing line for the puddening and cotton and a needle for the seizing ( very fiddly ), and when it was painted it looks quite authentic!!

Will post some pics as soon as poss!!

Jamie,

If you look at the picture that Mike posted further up this thread then:

Puddening: is the rope that is wrapped around the anchor ring, like a protective sheath round the bare ring. Or those really tacky steering wheel covers on cars

Seizing: is cordage used to bind the rope together ie to "seize" them, on the diagram these look like rings round different parts of the ropes and are marked aith an "a".
Hopes this helps

David

as a footnote to that: puddening also included a layer of tarred canvas underneath the 'stuff' which was wrapped around the ring. ('Stuff' is unpicked rope or cable which sailors reused as we would use lengths of string.) I didn't reckon there would be room for the canvas and tar gets messy!!

Mike T

Many thanks to Mike T and Zeptraider ....for getting me thinking on the subject of the anchor and after watching the dvd for the umptheen time here is a few ideas that i hope might help with the build of the anchor..

1. use a very thin plasticard for the steel banding instead of the cotton/twine stated in the dvd...i did think of using thick paper card but that will fray when sanded plasticard will not.

2.The puddening as Mike T said

3. The seizing...using black acrilic paint and mixing talcum powder together will create a thick black paste...using a very small brush apply at least two coats, that will give the "effect" of seizing without the expense and not to mention smell of tarred rope.

4.sand down the edges after assembly using a small flat file...paint the wood using humbrol matt 85 ..or similar, matt black for the banding with a very dark on the edges ..to give the worn/highlight effect.

5. Don't let your missus drag you out of the news agents when you see issue 2 on the shelf when yours has not arrived through the post yet..

hope some of this helps you with your build.........John :)