Hi re the winch
You should look at the model cars set
they do 1.10th scale working winches which just plug into the receiver
Hope this is usefull.
Dave lobolondon

Hi Westwind.

The video shows a working system.
If you can do it the same you shouldn't have any problems; You could probably make something simpler too.
The winding spool is simple and the chain does not jam but please note one thing:
In this model the hypothetical anchor exit hole is very low compared to the system. In this way it is possible to hold the chain with sufficient tension and it is possible to overcome the inertia of rest when the anchor is up.
I mean that the furling system can be perfect but if it is on the same plane as the exit hole (which in Italian we call "hawse eye") the weight of the anchor alone may not be enough.
Mine are assumptions, take them with due caution.
However, the system in the video you linked is fine.

All may find reading the 'anchor' article on Wikipedia worthwhile.

There are commercially available winches, Krick, for one makes one that I have used and like.
Otherwise, there are numerous videos showing homemade units as well.
I have made one using a geared motor coupled directly to a drum. It is controlled via an ESC.
The only drawback is that there is no clutch. I have to pay attention😮😋

If this is any help. Drum is wooden rings glued together. Geared to about 160 rpm. Powered in and powered out

I found this youtube video, I think I'll try to build one of these

Oh yes, Westwind, the chain jamming problem is one of the practical problems I was referring to.
Even though I have no experience it was easy to imagine.

I would study systems that I would first experiment with a small model, before introducing them into your ship.

To solve the jamming problem I could think of some solutions (at least only in theory).
- the winding cylinder could have helical grooves which would favor the distribution of the chain along its entire surface. Try to make a kind of Archimedes' screw (open) in which the chain is forced to position itself in order without being able to overlap.
- the winding cylinder should be positioned horizontally (but I think you already did this yourself)
- the winch and furling cylinder should be as high as possible in relation to the hole where the anchor comes out.

If I think of something useful I'll write to you. Unfortunately I am better at solving problems when I see them and have them in front of me.

Hi Alessandro, I built something like this on another ship, I tried using thread, chain and rubber string. Unfortunately I found that the system would fowl and jam on the spool after a few cycles. I think the problem is the anchor used did not have enough mass to keep the chain or string tight. I was using a lead anchor. So on my nest build I want to use a chain locker and have the anchor chain just sit loose in the locker. I also hope to have better access with the Jonny to clear any jams.

Hi Westwind.

I have never made a system for lowering and raising the anchor.
Surely some modeller on this forum will have already done it and will be able to advise you.

Since it's a good question and a fun job, I thought about it a bit.
I thought about how I would do it.

There are certainly many methods, this one came to mind first.
Using a winch with spool (capable of making multiple turns) transmit this rotary movement (with a cord, rubber strap or other) to a cylinder on which to directly wind the anchor chain.
Or replace the spool supplied with the winch with a cylinder on which to wrap the chain directly.

I'll try to make some drawings for you.

Put like this it seems simple but there will be several practical problems to deal with.