Theuns
What is that lever on the right side for? Was that to elevate the barrel?
As far as I can tell, yes. The instruction were a little unclear to what it was for, but it looks like the ropes connected to the rear of the barrel run though some openings in a rod that the lever is connected to. I guess when you pull on the leaver, it twists the rope around the rod, pulling it down, or holding it down. There is also a block of wood used to elevate the barrel at the back.
In all the pictures I saw, the ropes were connected to a block attached to the wall of the ship. I suppose in that case these ropes were used to keep the cannon from rolling away during firing, or when the ship rolled at sea.
Thanks guys, this was my first attempt at making wood. I kinda cringed a little while I was scrapping the plastic with the Xacto blade thinking I ruined it. I still need to learn a good method of painting woodgrain, but for this instance, rough hune wood, it works.
Like I said, it was a fun kit and I would recommend it to anyone who is looking for something that needs little improvement with without breaking the bank, or getting too involved.
Steve