AGORA Constitution

[Spars]

Do any modelers here know about AGORA's Constitution? I came across their site the other day. Is the model a true representation? Has anyone attempted or complete this ship?

 

[AllanKP69]

Is the model a true representation?

Hi Spars,

Looking at their photos the answer is no. The kit appears to have the same basic mistakes seen in many other kits.
Examples -
They mention the use of oak and mahogany. These are inappropriate as they are so grainy at our scales. Even when painted over, these little dents or pores in the wood will be visible.
Hand sewn sails - The seams are way out of scale in their ad photo
Out of scale gratings
Oversized belaying pins
Incorrect ships boats features
Incorrect anchor stocks
A hand rail in the waist --If you want her to look like she did when changed in the 20th century this would be good to have. These were added on the actual Connie during the 1927–1931 renovation, If you want her to look like when she was launched they don't belong.

It is as if no one at this company has done any serious study of what ship construction was actually like when she was active. Other than replacing all the planking materials, the other items can probably be corrected if you enjoy researching and kit bashing. For a recommendation of which Constitution kit to buy, maybe consider reaching out to Dr. Herzog and his curatorial staff at the Constitution museum. He has been very helpful with questions I have asked in past years, so maybe their team can give their more learned opinion on which kit, if any, is a true representation.

Allan

 

[Spars]

Hi Spars,

Looking at their photos the answer is no. The kit appears to have the same basic mistakes seen in many other kits.
Examples -
They mention the use of oak and mahogany. These are inappropriate as they are so grainy at our scales. Even when painted over, these little dents or pores in the wood will be visible.
Hand sewn sails - The seams are way out of scale in their ad photo
Out of scale gratings
Oversized belaying pins
Incorrect ships boats features
Incorrect anchor stocks
A hand rail in the waist --If you want her to look like she did when changed in the 20th century this would be good to have. These were added on the actual Connie during the 1927–1931 renovation, If you want her to look like when she was launched they don't belong.

It is as if no one at this company has done any serious study of what ship construction was actually like when she was active. Other than replacing all the planking materials, the other items can probably be corrected if you enjoy researching and kit bashing. For a recommendation of which Constitution kit to buy, maybe consider reaching out to Dr. Herzog and his curatorial staff at the Constitution museum. He has been very helpful with questions I have asked in past years, so maybe their team can give their more learned opinion on which kit, if any, is a true representation.

Allan

Blue Jacket's Constitution is named them official kit of the U.S.S. Constitution Museum. How valid is their offering?