Carronade 32 boat gun on deck 1:24

"18th Century Historical Cannons Series. 32-Pounder Deck Carronade at 1:24 Scale.

Kit features:

• Authentic, realistic replica of a carronade on deck 
• Gun and various fittings cast in pewter
• Wooden deck and trolley for assembly
• Detailed illustrated instructions
• Kit suitable for beginners

Dimensions :

• Scale 1/24
• Length: 20.95cm
• Width: 11.43cm
• Height: 8.89cm

The carronade, invented by Charles Gascoigne, the manager of Carron Ironworks in Falkirk, Scotland, stands out as a significant innovation in the field of firearms. It is a smoothbore cast iron cannon that brought about significant changes in naval warfare tactics. Compared to equivalent long guns, carronades had distinct characteristics that made them unique artillery pieces.

One of the most striking attributes of carronades was their compactness. These cannons were shorter and lighter than their long counterparts. This feature had clear advantages in terms of maneuverability on a ship's deck. However, this weight advantage was offset by a considerably shorter range. Carronades had a significantly shorter range compared to long guns.

For example, a shot fired from a 32-pounder long gun could travel nearly a mile, whereas one fired from a 32-pounder carronade would travel less than 1,000 yards. This range limitation was a key factor that set carronades apart and influenced their strategic use.

Another important characteristic of carronades was the low initial velocity of their round shot. This peculiarity had a significant impact on how these weapons inflicted damage on the enemy. The round shot fired from a carronade, with its reduced velocity, caused substantial damage upon impact, earning it the evocative nickname, "the masher." The effectiveness of these weapons was undeniable, as they could wreak havoc on enemy ships.

A versatile feature of carronades was their ability to be loaded with different types of ammunition. In addition to round shot, they could be loaded with chain, hot shot, musket balls, or even scrap metal. This versatility made them particularly effective in various sea-going situations. For instance, by loading with chain, carronades could be used to dismantle the rigging of an enemy ship, rendering it unable to navigate effectively. Similarly, red-hot shot could ignite fires on board, creating destructive chaos.

Another major strategic advantage of carronades lay in their ability to "sweep" the deck of an enemy ship. When properly positioned, they could devastate the rows of sailors on the deck, creating a true carnage among the enemy crew. This capability had a significant impact on the outcome of naval battles, as it disrupted the enemy's ability to maneuver and respond effectively.

Carronades were employed in naval warfare for a considerable period, spanning from the 1770s to the 1860s.

Their use left a lasting mark on sea battle tactics. However, it is important to note that despite their advantages, they were not suited for all situations. Due to their limited range, they were particularly effective in close combat but less suitable for long-range naval battles.

The carronade was a revolutionary invention that profoundly altered naval warfare. Although shorter and lighter than long guns, they were capable of causing significant damage at short range due to their low initial velocity. Their versatility in ammunition choice and their ability to sweep the deck of enemy ships made them a formidable weapon on the seas. Their use spanned nearly a century, attesting to their significance in naval artillery history.