1841 6 pounder field piece

[freddo]

Good evening all.This is my first post on this forum.
I am interested in making a model of the above mentioned field piece and I have a couple of questions that I thought some of you gentlemen may be able to answer;
My first question is about the chains on the carriage.There are two long ones on each side and a shorter one slung from side to side under the stock.What are these chains called and what is their function?
My second question is What are the rubbing plates on each side of the stock for?Am I correct to assume that this is where the  rims of the wheels on the limber might rub in a tight turn?
I have noticed on some of the drawings and photographs of actual cannons that the shape of the cheeks differ. On some the line of the cheeks forward of the cap squares follow a curve whereas on others there is just a square corner.Also to the rear of the trunnions the reflex curve to the top line of the cheeks varies in form from cannon to cannon.Is one form more correct than the other or is this not important?
Are drawings available for the limber.Or better yet are drawings for the limber in the public domain on the web?
What is the form of the bolt heads on the carriage?
Please forgive my ignorance.I am new to the game and know little about carriage construction and nomenclature
kind regards Freddo

[Double D]

Freddo welcome,  glad to have you our first known participant from Australia!

Are you talking about the US 1841 6PDR or a British gun?  

Do you have plans for the gun you are building?

[GGaskill]

THE authoritative source of plans is Antique Ordnance Publishers (see the http://www.graybeardoutdoors.com/phpbb2/viewtopic.php?t=2814" target="_blank">Where to find ... thread above.)  Their stuff is so inexpensive I can't see why they keep doing it, so don't begrudge them a few dollars for plans while spending hundreds to thousands on an artillery piece.

[Articifer Tom]

There is only one  large long chain  it is the brake chain  . Used to lash the wheel during steep descents .  The small chain is more like a belt  called implement hanger chains it's attached to bottom of trail  and  latches to either side to hold the  rammers in place . Don't assume any thing you see made is correct  get  plans  and  let your  abilities decide  how  acturate the job will be . Enjoy the process , please question if specific steps of the built confuse or overwelom  . Many heads are better than one.

[Calamity Jane]

Dixie Gunworks has original plans, two sets. You will find reference to them in the stickies. They also include limber plans and details of the fittings.

This is my 1/3rd scale 6 pounder from Dixie plans



If memory serves, the chains on each side are called "lock chains" and were to stop the wheels from rotating (which could be desirable under various circumstances).

The chain under the trail (who's name I can not remember) is there to support the handles of the rammer, sponge, and other impliments that are slung under the carriage during transport.

The scuff plates on the trail are indeed to protect it from the wheels of the limber.

[freddo]

Thank you gentlemen.I do ,in fact, have a
set of plans for the cannon although not for the limber.
 I suspected that the chains were used to lock the wheels.It did not occur to me that they may be used for braking on steep descents.I saw a picture of a French Mitraileuse.It too had similar chains but attached to the ends of the chains was a sort of shoe or chock for placing under the wheels when setting up to fire.I thought the chains on the  American 6 pounder might have had the same.
 I do have plans for firing the cannon but I am not too sure about the steel in the barrel.It is C1214 any thoughts? It seems that there is plenty of it when compared to say a damascus steel B P 12 Guage
 I am surprised that I am the first member from OZ I have always been interested in artillery and  OZ being an outpost of empire has many very interesting old artillery pieces mostly garrison stuff but there are a few interesting field pieces about.I know quite a few fellows with cannons although I must say the sport here does not have quite the same following as it seems to have over there.Frankly I am amazed at what some of you fellows make and shoot.The powder cost alone must be astronomical.I do envy you You must have a lot of fun
 The reason that I asked about the shape of the cheeks was that I saw some photographs of origional 6 pounders in various memorial parks over there and they all had the square nosing rather than the rounded nosing,It seems to me that it will be a little easier to make the metal bands which bind the cheeks if the nosings are square and if the curve behind the trunnions is a simple curve rather than the reflex curve as shown on my drawing.
 I am close to finishing the wheels-a real ball breaker of an exercise.I had to spend several weeks reseaching wheel wrighting techniques and principles before I could even start.My wheels are not perfect but for a first attempt I suppose I could have done a lot worse.
 I'm sure I shall have many more questions but it looks as if you chaps are just as friendly and helpful as the fellows on other BP forums that I am a member of.
Once again thank you.
Regards Freddo.

[Powder keg]

Welcome Freddo!!!
Glad to have you on board. I always liked the 6 pounder. What scale are you building your cannon? If you could post pictures that would be great! Make sure you have a powder can in the picture for Blaster bob :-D I just thought, What if Australian cans are a different size :shock:

Later, Wes

[Blaster]

Welcome Freddo!!!
Glad to have you on board. I always liked the 6 pounder. What scale are you building your cannon? If you could post pictures that would be great! Make sure you have a powder can in the picture for Blaster bob :-D I just thought, What if Australian cans are a different size :shock:

Later, Wes

Freddo, if a powder can isn't available to show for scale, a Fosters can could also work. :lol:  :lol: