21-FEB-2006
Bow-on view
The vast size of the galleon structure is readily apparent. Of interest to model-builders should be the way all the vertical head-timbers lead down to the extended stem of the ship in a shallow V shape.
21-FEB-2006
Bow closeup
The large hawse-holes are very visible inside the ports for the bow-chase guns. Also note the four large knees of the head, below the hawse-holes, supporting the head itself against sideways loads.
21-FEB-2006
Galleon overview
Please excuse the odd angle - I simply did not have enough space to back further up :) The elegant overall curve of the galleon is easily seen, as is the large lion figure-head.
21-FEB-2006
Overview of the inner end of the galleon
Of note is the catshead, the crane-beam poking out and forwards from the forecastle. This detail is a bit different on Vasa compared to other ships from this era.
21-FEB-2006
Inner end of bowsprit
The double gammoning is easily visible; these very solid rope lashings held the bowsprit down against the pull from the forestay. Note the pin-rail on the right side of the picture. Also note the forward end of the main-stay, on the left, which goes around the inner end of the bowsprit and under the top of the stem.
21-FEB-2006
Figurehead
Lion rampant - an immortal classic.
21-FEB-2006
A look down into the galleon structure
Note the two pin-rails. A "seat of ease", or toilet to you and me, can be seen between the gammon-lashings, just inside the side-wall of the galleon. The round-holed plank that tradition doth require on top of such a seat is missing, however. This arrangement on sailing ships is why naval toilets are still called "heads", in case you have always wondered but never dared ask.
21-FEB-2006
Forward end of forecastle
You can see the round-topped door opening leading from the galleon into the forecastle.
21-FEB-2006
Forecastle railing
The bright wood is a reconstruction, so it is apparent that not much was left of this bit after 300 years under water. You can see the main-stay crossing over itself just aft of the railing.
21-FEB-2006
Sculpture detail
The outboard sides of the planked-up galleon is lined with small statues like these.
21-FEB-2006
Decoration detail
More sculpturework here. All this gingerbread would have been brightly painted, against a bright red background. She must have been quite a sight.
21-FEB-2006
Sculpture
This Roman gentleman stands at the forward end of the forecastle, just aft of the cathead. There is another photo of him on these pages, showing what he looked like when fully painted.
