This MSW "First Look" style review is the first installment of our coverage of Battlefleet Models "Ships Accessories" line, this time, "Assorted Winches, Windlass and Capstans."
Winch
A winch is a mechanical device that is used to pull in (wind up) or let out (wind out) or otherwise adjust the "tension" of a rope or wire rope (also called "cable" or "wire cable"). In its simplest form it consists of a spool and attached hand crank. In larger forms, winches stand at the heart of machines as diverse as tow trucks, steam shovels and elevators. The spool can also be called the winch drum. More elaborate designs have gear assemblies and can be powered by electric, hydraulic, pneumatic or internal combustion drives. Some may include a solenoid brake and/or a mechanical brake or ratchet and pawl device that prevents it from unwinding unless the pawl is retracted
Windlass
An anchor windlass is a machine that restrains and manipulates the anchor chain and/or rope on a boat, allowing the anchor to be raised and lowered. A notched wheel engages the links of the chain or the rope. A brake is provided for control and the windlass is usually powered by an electric or hydraulic motor operating via a gear train.
Capstan
A capstan is a rotating machine used to apply force to another element, notably used on board ship and on dock walls, for heaving-in or veering ropes, cables, and hawsers.
the kit...
A short while ago, Harry Abbott, Battlefleet Models, introduced a new line of 1/700 scale resin ship kit parts to his catalog, "BFM Accessories". These full resin, accessory kits pack quite a punch for the buck, and can be used to highlight your builds for greater accuracy, as well as making your scratchbuilding subjects a whole lot easier with Harry producing some of the more common "fiddly bits" that you would use in many subject builds.
The first accessory kit we will take a look at is kit #BFM-7105, "Assorted Winches, Windlass and Capstans". This set includes 12 types, 2 each, of Winches & Windlasses, and 2 types, 4 each Capstans. 32 seperate parts total, all cast from BFM's quality resin, on a single resin wafer sheet. Packaging for the kit is simply a sealed, clear plastic bag, with the BFM label on it's front.
Each pair of BFM's winches/windlass has been individualy designed and cast for accuracy, as well as an all around good look. Most winch/windlass needs that you may encounter can be covered with the use of these resin pieces, as are the capstans, best bet is to check your reference images to choose the correct one for your individual kit build.
Detail is very good, considering the size of these parts, and easy to use? Sure thing! The parts can be trimmed off of the resin wafer with an X-acto, and after a few swipes with a sanding stick, are ready for mounting on your build. That's all there is to it! Definitely a good idea to have a couple sheets of these in your stash...
References:
Wiki, Capstan
Anchor Windlass
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