Top Rail Attachment

[Kurt Konrath]

I know how planks and decking are attached with trunnels, treenails or bolts.

But how are the top rails on bulkwards fastened down? Do they get nailed like side planking or decks?

Kurt

 

[Donnie]

I always just glue 'first' the rail into place - then you can go and finish off with some treenails where the 'sanctions are. Cut off / sand down ( of course) and then stain / paint at that point.
you can even use brass wire if you want to - but I think that is not too authentic. or maybe blacken the brass wire. I guess it is all up to you. I think wooden treenails would be the best route to take. On a ship of the line, it is possible to have 50 or more sanctions though and things can get a little tedious making the tiny holes spaced that close together.
Its called the 'law of diminishing returns'

 

[bill36]

I know how planks and decking are attached with trunnels, treenails or bolts.

But how are the top rails on bulkwards fastened down? Do they get nailed like side planking or decks?

Kurt

You dowel the rails to the stanchions just as if they were planks to a frame.

 

[Thomas]

I guess it depends on the model but a lot of ships would have decorative railings so the fasteners would have been hidden with veneer like a stairway railing?