Swivel guns. These took some time to finish. Getting the ten 38mm long cannons from Model Expo to simulate one-pounder swivel guns was easy, if a little expensive at $3 each. The challenge was how to make and attach the handle and mounting structures that could survive the "bump & bucket rule": having a bucket of water hurled at it again and again, while also getting bumped by something solid.

I ended up using the wooden wheels the cannons came with for the side mounting pieces. A thick "cut tack" was then epoxied directly to the underside of the cannons to make the mounting base, which was sunk into a solid 1/4 inch oak dowel for the posts. After some experimenting and researching I decided to omit adding a handle for now, since I kind of like the way it looks as is.

The oak posts were then pinned and epoxied to the fiberglass lip while also being wood-glued to the inside of the rail. At some point I might also attach a thread between the cannon and deck as a backup in case the gun does get knocked off.

Eventually I'll add the other six swivels along the sides, probably on short posts directly on the main rail.

Week 19