Help with the operations of the gun turret of USS Monitor.

[Uruk-Hai]

Hello Figureteers!

I could really use some help and theres usually a lot of knowledge here.

Im wondering a few things about the operation of the gun turret of USS Monitor as it was at Hampton Roads.

-The crew for each gun is said to be eight but what where their positions and tasks?
-I guess at least two where needed to load the canon ball into the muscle? And did they have something to carry the canon ball in? Like a sling made of ropes?
-Would one man be able to handle a rod by himself?
-Where the powder added in the form of premade bags? And how did they look like? I reckon that the bags where supplied one at the time for the guns from below deck as common in that era?
-Who operated the traverse of the turret and with what? I cant seem to find any specefic about that?
-And had the turrets any means of communicating with the deck below?

Would be glad to have your input on this.

Cheers
Janne Nilsson

 

[Graham]

If you go to this page and scroll down, there is a painting of the gun crew in action. Hope this is of some use

http://deadconfederates.com/2011/08/12/u-s-s-monitor-turret-revealed/

 

[kagemusha]

I think the 'painting' is actually a picture of Shep Paines famous diorama mate

 

[Graham]

Ahh, sorry....... That's what you get for searching the web on an iPhone............

 

[billyturnip]

It might be worth sending an email here Janne with your question.
http://www.marinersmuseum.org/uss-monitor-center/