I’m not a ship bulider, but would like to do a US Marine figure (revelotionary war) perched in the rigging or on the crows nest. Would anyone happen to have pictures I could use as ref material?
Yes and I’ll look for you.
Right away I’m pretty sure there’s a good Osprey edition on it.
Thirteen Frigates is a good bet for your scene.
Her’s a link to one of them.
http://forum.game-labs.net/topic/3057-uss-essex-american-frigate-with-plans/
It is not a U.S. Marine, but perhaps an idea of how would appear in battle condition.
Here is another example by the same painter entitled “Fighting Top”.
In this painting, marines are firing muskets and lobbing grenades.
Happy modeling Crackers[:O]
The Marines would normally be placed in the fighting-tops (hence the name!), the squarish platform at the top of the lower part of the masts. Unfortunately this is a highly complex area, you have the top of the lower mast, the heel of the topmast, the crosstrees and the fighting top itself, plus there is a large quantity of rigging. In order to do it right you need quite a bit more than a picture.
Something like James Lees’ “Masting and Rigging” would give you all the info you need to get it right.
https://www.amazon.com/Masting-Rigging-English-Ships-1625-1860/dp/0870219480
Guys thanks for your repies to my question, thanks to you’ll I’m off to a great start.