GrahamB wrote:
Hi,
something I can't fathom yet. I'm building a 1/700 Combrig HMS Britannia as HMS Commonwealth but am stuck on some prominent structures either side of the mainmast that feature in photos of the whole KGVII class, but are not included in the kit. These are column/pillar like but seem to be slightly different port and starboard. I thought they might be boat-derrick stumps (this could be attached to the starboard ''thing" mostly?). Can anyone enlighten me please or point to a clear photo of (builder's model for example?)? Any help gratefully received.
Cheers,
GrahamB
P.S I've got the Burt volume and the Warship 2001-2002 article.
I think they're to do with the main mast derrick, yes, pretty certain now. They are the 'hydralic rams' of the main derrick hoist... one controls the purchase, the other the topping lift. In some ships they are horizontal and below decks (thus protected) and can't be seen... in some ships they are horizontal and above deck and in some, the two are sited upright close to the mainmast, one either side. [I have them chronologically in the wrong order. first are upright, then Horizontal, then horizontally below decks]
If you look at photos of the Lord Nelson and Agamenon, is this them? the higher being between the searchlight?
The only other thing they could be is for the 'helm indicator' line.... but I'm not convinced. They're not for the helm indicators as on the Lord Nelson class they are both to port of the mainmast, not either side as in later ships.