Prolonge & Tarp Questions

York Bob

Cadet
Joined
Jan 22, 2019
Hi- I'm brand new to this site. I'm hoping to get some input so bear with me. I'm building 1/16 scale models of a 3 Inch Ordnance Rifle and a Limber. I got a couple questions on details to help finish these.
1. How exactly is the Prolonge rope wrapped on the gun? Everything I've seen has it wrapped in a figure 8. The Artillerists Manual only says "wound". But on one end is a tow ring and on the other is a toggle. So what is the technique to wrap the rope to secure these so they aren't dangling loose? Admittedly, I've never paid that close to that and nothing online shows it.
2. What is the regulation size of the tarpaulin folded and stowed on top of the limber? I searched around but can't find any reference to a size. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!
 
Welcome.

Looking at the ordnance manual, the only reference for the tarp was "1 large tarp". Nothing regarding size - total size or folded. As for the prolounge, the only mention is "Coiled". All of the drawings in the Ordnance manual and artillery manual show it in a figure-8 pattern on the carriage. No mention as to how to secure it.
 
Are you doing one of the Model Shipways "Guns of History?" I have the battery wagon but haven't started it yet .
I am. Have you built any of the other kits? This was my first experience with metal cast models. My advice is be careful. Make sure you have a good stock of files and sanders. There are a lot of flash and seams. Don't believe the "its an easy build". I'm an experienced model builder and I had some expletive deleted moments. Before you do anything, carefully inventory all the parts. I found my limber kit was missing 5 pieces. I will say, though, that the company was really good quickly replacing them. The fit-ups can be problematic. The instructions can be vague unless you have good first hand experience with the real thing. And on top of that, there are dimensional issues and just missing features. Example: on my 3 inch rifle, only 1 rammer and handspike were included. Plus the handspike was like a toothpick. I ended up scratchbuilding both handspikes, a rammer, and the worm. Inexplicably, they included a ladle (for loading hotshots!!). There's more, but I'll stop. I'm lucky in the sense I live only an hour from Gettysburg so I can hop over there and get accurate measurements on details like the hausse seat, chains (the kit includes what would be close to an anchor chain to hold the bucket). I also work over there as a guide so I'm around the guns alot. In the end, when the kit is all done though, it doesn't look bad. The limber has a few problems too.The lid is a horrible fit. I decided to scratch build the inside of the box which was a challenge. I'll post some pics soon. Good luck with your build.
 
Welcome.

Looking at the ordnance manual, the only reference for the tarp was "1 large tarp". Nothing regarding size - total size or folded. As for the prolounge, the only mention is "Coiled". All of the drawings in the Ordnance manual and artillery manual show it in a figure-8 pattern on the carriage. No mention as to how to secure it.
Thanks- yeah that's all I've found so far too, plus the weight. At least with a model, I can fake it but I'd like to get as close as possible. Same thing with the prolonge. Thanks again.
 
Welcome and thanks for the great question. Hope you will share a photo of the piece when you get it finished.
Thanks- it's great to be a member. The field piece is done (except for the prolonge puzzle) and the limber is about finished. I realize this isn't a forum for models so I'll keep any pics to a minimum.
 
I am. Have you built any of the other kits? This was my first experience with metal cast models. My advice is be careful. Make sure you have a good stock of files and sanders. There are a lot of flash and seams. Don't believe the "its an easy build". I'm an experienced model builder and I had some expletive deleted moments. Before you do anything, carefully inventory all the parts. I found my limber kit was missing 5 pieces. I will say, though, that the company was really good quickly replacing them. The fit-ups can be problematic. The instructions can be vague unless you have good first hand experience with the real thing. And on top of that, there are dimensional issues and just missing features. Example: on my 3 inch rifle, only 1 rammer and handspike were included. Plus the handspike was like a toothpick. I ended up scratchbuilding both handspikes, a rammer, and the worm. Inexplicably, they included a ladle (for loading hotshots!!). There's more, but I'll stop. I'm lucky in the sense I live only an hour from Gettysburg so I can hop over there and get accurate measurements on details like the hausse seat, chains (the kit includes what would be close to an anchor chain to hold the bucket). I also work over there as a guide so I'm around the guns alot. In the end, when the kit is all done though, it doesn't look bad. The limber has a few problems too.The lid is a horrible fit. I decided to scratch build the inside of the box which was a challenge. I'll post some pics soon. Good luck with your build.
I'm an experienced modeler as well . After I tackle the battery wagon I'm planning on getting the ambulance . The shapes on some of the cannon tubes look iffy . I have not built any of their models yet .
 
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