Ever seen a Rodman Columbiad?

[flyfisher]

I am fairly new to the Black Powder and Mortar forum, but have been lurking for a while. 

Anyway...to the point.  This weekend, my wife and I took a trip to Pittsburgh.  While there, I visited the Heinz History Center.  Much to my surprise, I found that the 20" and 15" Rodman Columbiad Cannon was manufactured right there in Pittsburgh at the Fort Pitt Foundry in 1864.  There was no actual cannon, just a few small cannons from the French and Indian War, but what they did have were genuine 20" and 15" cannonballs designed for the Rodman gun.  The 20-incher weighed over 1000 pounds and was designed to shoot over 5 miles.  That was pretty impressive to me.  There was a detailed explanation, pictures, etc. of the "Rodman Process", the process used to cast the gun.  Boy, I wish I would have brought the camera along!  Anyway, I just wanted to share the info.  If you are ever in the Pittsburgh area, check it out.  It is a great Museum to visit.

[Double D]

Yep, Seen em!!




8 inch rifled Rodman's


Rodman Battery


8 inch Rodman


15 inch Rodman


15 inch Rodman muzzle.  Sorry Blaster, no powder can, will a wife do?


15 inch Rodman Muzzle detail


8 inch Rodman Muzzle detail


15 inch Rodman trunnion


8 inch Rodman trunnion.

Ft McHenry's . The fort has a a battery of Rodman guns on display. There are 8 inch and  15 smoothbores and 8 inch rifled guns.

[seacoastartillery]

I am fairly new to the Black Powder and Mortar forum, but have been lurking for a while. 

Anyway...to the point.  This weekend, my wife and I took a trip to Pittsburgh.  While there, I visited the Heinz History Center.  Much to my surprise, I found that the 20" and 15" Rodman Columbiad Cannon was manufactured right there in Pittsburgh at the Fort Pitt Foundry in 1864.  There was no actual cannon, just a few small cannons from the French and Indian War, but what they did have were genuine 20" and 15" cannonballs designed for the Rodman gun.  The 20-incher weighed over 1000 pounds and was designed to shoot over 5 miles.  That was pretty impressive to me.  There was a detailed explanation, pictures, etc. of the "Rodman Process", the process used to cast the gun.  Boy, I wish I would have brought the camera along!  Anyway, I just wanted to share the info.  If you are ever in the Pittsburgh area, check it out.  It is a great Museum to visit.

Flyfisher,
     
     Darn!  That Double D is quick.  The guy never sleeps.  I had no idea that the Heinz History Center existed.  Thanks for sharing that info with us.  It is going on my list of places to visit.  If you want to see the two 20 Inchers that were cast at Fort Pitt Foundry, just click on our banner at the top of this forum and put your cursor on the main heading named "Photo Gallery", then click on the menu item, "New York", then "New Jersey", AND, if you want to see me attempt to fire a 15 Incher, click on "Florida".  Seacoast Guns, aren't they COOL!!

Regards,

Tracy
Seacoast Artillery Company

[Double D]

Rodman's at Ft. McHenry  I Cheated Tracy.

[GGaskill]

Perhaps a minor detail but Rodmans were the successors of the Columbiads.

[entsminger]

  Man aren't those 15 inchers cool!!!!!!I love em !  I know this sounds crazy but the next big cannnon I want to build, after my propane tank 13 inch mortar ( I want to build a non firing full size 13 inch mortar out of a large propane tank) is a for looks only 15 inch rodman!! Imagine having a 13 inch mortar and a 15 inch Rodman sitting in your front yard aiming at the ugly oversized Mcmansion that just went up next door?

   Scott Springston
    Arlington Va.

[Cat Whisperer]

With a 15" Rodman, from where you are, you could influence legislation directly!