Drewry’s Bluff – James River, Virginia

The gundeck (below top deck) of the Galena spans its full length, and slopes upwards, from midships to either end. The side jig templates helped keep the level of the gun deck consistently in line, as each rib of the hull has a cross beam set through it at the right elevation, which in turn sits on the parallel side jigs. Once all hull ribs are in place, deck planking can be added, onto which all the gun equipment can be fitted. (Note: This picture also shows two long beams being ‘pre-formed’ to follow the topdeck profile, where they serve to frame some of the several centerline openings at the topdeck.)

The Galena carried 2 – 100lb. Parrott guns, on fore and aft pivot-carriages, and 4 – 9″ Dahlgrens at its broadsides. The rear Parrott carriage/gun configuration would be 21 feet long at full scale, showing its prodigious size. All guns and caissons seen are scratchbuilt endeavors.

Parrott guns:

Dahlgren guns: