Triple blocks british

Product detailed description

HiSModel manufactures a wide range of high-quality ship blocks made of walnut wood using modern CNC technology. These blocks are intended for static models of historic sailing ships. The blocks feature precisely drilled holes for threading ropes, but they do not include a functional sheave mechanism or freely rotating parts, and are therefore primarily intended for realistic representation of the ship’s rigging.

British blocks – characteristics

Standard ship blocks are manufactured as single, double, and triple blocks in two basic shape types: British and Continental. A typical feature of British blocks is their more angular, strongly profiled shape, which became a characteristic element of the rigging of British Royal Navy ships during the 18th century.

Originally, these blocks were used mainly on frigates and other Royal Navy warships. Thanks to their simpler production, they gradually spread into merchant shipping and later also onto vessels of continental fleets.

Triple ship blocks

Triple ship blocks are designed for leading three ropes through three sheaves positioned side by side on a single axle and separated by partitions inside the block body. They were used in locations subjected to the highest loads, where very large forces had to be transferred in a way that could still be handled by the crew.

These blocks were primarily used as part of heavy-duty block and tackle systems, for example when tensioning main shrouds, hoisting main yards, handling heavy loads, or lifting the ship’s anchor. Triple blocks allowed maximum load distribution and were a key component of the most heavily stressed parts of the rigging.

Size range

HiSModel manufactures British-type triple blocks in sizes ranging from 3 mm to 10 mm. Other dimensions can be produced on request.

Choosing block size and rope diameter

On real ships, the rope diameter was selected according to the load, and a corresponding block size was used for that rope diameter. The same principle is recommended when building ship models.

For correct determination of rope diameters and block sizes, we use historical reference tables based on the size and type of the ship. These tables can be found here:
👉 Rigging calculator – instructions

Detailed information on correct block usage can be found in our instructions.
If rope diameters and block sizes are specified directly in your ship plans, we recommend following those values as a priority.

Recommended rope diameters according to block height: