MSW USS Constitution

I did not like any of the nail embossing techniques I saw builders use on their models. The were just too out of scale as indicated by AllanPK69. I decided for my build that I would not try to duplicate the nail patterns, because at scale, nobody would see them unless they put their face on top on the model. However, I did not want the copper surface to be shiny smooth either as that would be unrealistic as well. So, I made a radical choice and just simulated the appearance of nails by embossing the copper plate with sandpaper. This gave a high density of dimples (pseudo nails) but no pattern for the body of the plate. I used my fine tooth miter saw blade teeth to emboss the plate edges for fine line of nails. It was easy to do, though tedious as any other method and it got the more realistic effect I wanted. You can see how I did it and the results starting at post #634 on the link below.

Jon
 
Question Regarding Gammoning of Constitution.
Just wondering if anyone has photo of how the Constitution Gammoning is done? I am in the process of closing up the rails in the stem of the ship, and I am concerned that the gammoning will not be accessible with closing of the toprail done.
in the following image taken from the Bob Hunt instructions, you can see the two holes for the Gammoning and I believe that chains are used in this application. However, if I close off the top of the stem, then pulling the chains through those holes will be next to impossible. I don`t know how the chains are attached to the bowsprit itself. The plans show some metal straps on the bowsprit, but how do the chains attach to the metal straps?

1744559260751.png
 
Last edited:
As suggested, I contacted the Constitution Museum and they responded as follows:
"The ship did not have chain gammoning when it was actively sailing. While it's possible it may have been incorporated at some point for a period later on, we do not have any evidence that was the case. "

I'll see if I have the room to make two slots. I should have checked this before building the ships bow.

https://ussconstitutionmuseum.org/discover-learn/modeler-resources/
 
Last edited:
Trying to zero in on any aspect of these historic ships at any particular time in their lifetimes is a moving target at best and full of contradictions.
 
Peter Gutterman said:
Trying to zero in on any aspect of these historic ships at any particular time in their lifetimes is a moving target at best and full of contradictions.
Click to expand...

Though I really wouldn't call them contradictions, depending on which version of the USS Constitution one is attempting to model, it is absolutely a "moving target". Well described, Peter!

While I have been following your build, Jack, I don't recall if I have previously commented. The Constitution is on my immediate to-do list after I complete my current model, so have been taking notes on everyone's build. Great work on yours, sir. Thanks...
 
GGibson said:
Though I really wouldn't call them contradictions, depending on which version of the USS Constitution one is attempting to model, it is absolutely a "moving target". Well described, Peter!

While I have been following your build, Jack, I don't recall if I have previously commented. The Constitution is on my immediate to-do list after I complete my current model, so have been taking notes on everyone's build. Great work on yours, sir. Thanks...
Click to expand...
thank you.
 
Jack, please let us know what the curators tell you if they respond regarding if she ever had other than rope gammoning.
Tx
Allan
 
AllanKP69 said:
Jack, please let us know what the curators tell you if they respond regarding if she ever had other than rope gammoning.
Tx
Allan
Click to expand...
As suggested, I contacted the Constitution Museum and they responded as follows:
"The ship did not have chain gammoning when it was actively sailing. While it's possible it may have been incorporated at some point for a period later on, we do not have any evidence that was the case. "

I'll see if I have the room to make two slots. I should have checked this before building the ships bow.
 
Last edited:
It is going to be a challenge to install the gammoning, even if it's rope, with the bow finished. It's a good thing that I didn't glue down the gratings. I may have to cut slots into the grating as well to allow the gammoning through. Well that is what I signed up for. I'll just take my time in doing it. The question now becomes should I install the bowsprit now even if it only shows up much later in the build?
 
Well. I managed to make one slot. I am not sure if I can make a second because all the rails are in the way. If all I can do is one slot, then that is what it shall be, I guess. I would have prefered two.
 
I have just finished the gammoning on my model, on the ship the chain is held in place with threaded eye bolts.
I did not like the chain method and considered using rope but could not find a satisfactory way to install the steps over the rope.
On my model I used wire through the chain glued through the hole in the metal bracket. I installed the gammoning, gratings and heads in that order.

Tony
 
I sort of put together a rough idea together about how to do the gammoning. It will be ropes and I was thinking I would make a small notch under the stairs so that the gammoning can go around the bowsprit. The following photo shows about where I would notch out the steps.

PS No heads in my build. They are benches. I will say no more on this subject.

pic.jpg
 
I went ahead and completed part of the bowSprit so that I could do the gammoning before closing up the bow. I thought it would be easier to add the gammoning with the bow still opened. In a perfect world, I would have added two sets of gammoning but I couldn't because the bow is partially built. I should have thought about this earlier in the assembly process.
If this was lifesize, you couldn't pay me enough to try and climb the rickety old stairs that I made on top of the bowsprit. lol.

bowSprit.jpg
 
Last edited:
Although it is not explicitly written anywhere that traveller rings are present, I am going to go ahead and add them to my model.
I am going to use C Passaro's simplified ring that he shows in his instructions for the Brig Syren. Why not. It looks good and is easy to rig. There will be two, as per the Syren build.

1746214602704.png
 
As I think about it, I am wondering if both the Brig Syren and the Constitution shared similar rigging. Of course the Syren only has a foremast and main mast while the constitution has fore, main and mizzen masts.

The Brig Syren was built in 1803 and the Constitution 1797. How different can the rigging be?
 
Jack Sparrow said:
As I think about it, I am wondering if both the Brig Syren and the Constitution shared similar rigging. Of course the Syren only has a foremast and main mast while the constitution has fore, main and mizzen masts.

The Brig Syren was built in 1803 and the Constitution 1797. How different can the rigging be?
Click to expand...
Peter Gutterman said:
Climbing the rickety stairs on the bowsprit in pitching Atlantic cresting seas! :eek:
Click to expand...
not for me. hard pass.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top