1/4 scale Napoleon

Really great looking work.

Wow you are far beyond my class. I am building my first 50cal napoleon just to try. I am casting my own barrel if possible but its only 18". Where in the world did you have your barrels made?
Can someone tell me what this part was used for back in the day?

RufusToad said:

Wow you are far beyond my class. I am building my first 50cal napoleon just to try. I am casting my own barrel if possible but its only 18". Where in the world did you have your barrels made?
Can someone tell me what this part was used for back in the day?

View attachment 279146

Click to expand...

I get my barrels from Brooks USA.
I have never seen that part you are wondering about. I can't really tell what it is. I do not think it is part of a Civil War #2 carriage. The #2 field carriage is what I try to replicate for my Napoleons. I'm using drawings from Antique Ordnance Publishers.

Your drawing is new to me also. The correct is exactly what zulu is making. And here are some drawings that are very similar. You say cast your own barrel, but then you want to know who makes? Trust me a well made cannon is not a small project.

Thanks for the reply. This is just a test cannon for me. I am not in the retirement stages yet to start a project like this so it is less than half the size Zulu is making and some of the smaller parts will possibly be CNC'ed into the wood as I own a CNC router and 3 axis mill so I am hoping the layouts wont take as long. One day I will shoot for this bigger goal but not today plus my furnace is not that big. I just purchased a new lathe and building a metal furnace and picked this as a first project. Hoping to cast before lathe gets here.
This is one heck of a goal and the workmanship is amazing. Just making the wheels would probably hurt me
How much total time do you have in one of these and is the everything made from white oak??

RufusToad said:

Thanks for the reply. This is just a test cannon for me. I am not in the retirement stages yet to start a project like this so it is less than half the size Zulu is making and some of the smaller parts will possibly be CNC'ed into the wood as I own a CNC router and 3 axis mill so I am hoping the layouts wont take as long. One day I will shoot for this bigger goal but not today plus my furnace is not that big. I just purchased a new lathe and building a metal furnace and picked this as a first project. Hoping to cast before lathe gets here.
This is one heck of a goal and the workmanship is amazing. Just making the wheels would probably hurt me
How much total time do you have in one of these and is the everything made from white oak??

Click to expand...

I have a lot of time in one of these. Three has been even more challenging. I buy the wheels from Amishcraft.com
I am using red oak.

impressive builds,

zulu said:

I have a lot of time in one of these. Three has been even more challenging. I buy the wheels from Amishcraft.com
I am using red oak.

Click to expand...

Adding up your time, you are probably not making a good hourly rate at all. But what you are making will be master pieces to be really valued. Hand crafted (each piece) and such great detail. Yep, these are real winners. I am glad you are sharing your pictures. Great work.

Rich44 said:

Adding up your time, you are probably not making a good hourly rate at all. But what you are making will be master pieces to be really valued. Hand crafted (each piece) and such great detail. Yep, these are real winners. I am glad you are sharing your pictures. Great work.

Click to expand...

Rich44,
I have seen your work. You are my inspiration. I don't hold a candle to you.

Zulu, You must be suffering from cannon burn out. Take 2 aspirins and then in the morning take a look at the crowd around your cannon. Buddy, you're the winner. I'll gladly take second unless if you split yours up, then I will be left third, thanks.

Got one finished. Two more to go.

Finished the second one. Painted this one in Civil War green. It is the most popular with purist because of its historical accuracy.
One more to go.

Awesome !

To paint that really nice looking wood to me sounds stupid. But I really like the results. So, you can make mine green please. Really looks great. Another perfect job.

There's a spot in my living room where one of these would look....just stunning!

Fantastic work ans attention to detail.
Excellent craftsmanship