Constitution Cross Section MS20245 Model Expo

[Rob444]

I am starting a build log on the USS Constitution Cross Section. I bought this about a year ago when Model Expo had a sale, but I knew from downloading and reviewing the instructions that I needed to so some simpler kits first. After gaining some experience I decided to try to tackle this.

As Issac Newton said,“If I have seen further it is by standing on the shoulders of Giants.” I am indebted by the knowledge I learned from two fantastic build logs One from Jeff T,

USS Constitution Cross Section - Model Shipways MS20245 - 1:76 - by JeffT [COMPLETED BUILD]

This new build is of the Model Shipways USS Constitution Cross Section (MS2045) at 1:76 (Actually the scale is 1:76.8 or 5/32" = 1'). The finished model is 4"x6"x32". I chose this kit for several reasons: 1) It is a nice kit and I like cross sections; 2) The Constitution cross section is a...

shipsofscale.com

and one from Tom Culb

USS Constitution by TomCulb - FINISHED - Model Shipways - 1:76.8 - cross-section

As far as I know this is the first log on this site for Model Shipways’ cross section of the USS Constitution. I bought the kit last summer, when I think it was pretty newly released, and when I was about midway through my Spray build. I have never done a cross section, and I was attracted to the...

modelshipworld.com

Both whose expertise clearly outweigh mine.

On this log I will be concentrating more on my mistakes, the other two logs give good instructions on how to do it correctly. I will probably also build it in a slightly different order. The box and contents were well introduced by the other logs.

 

[Rob444]

There are two sheets of full size plans as well as 3 sheets of parts layout. I have nowhere to tack the plans up that would be acceptable to the Admiral, so I used Tom Culb's idea and mounted them on two poster holders. I store them on a wall in one closet when not needed and take them out and hang them when I work

 

[Rob444]

So lets begin. The three main frames are made of 1/8th inch plywood and are fairly delicate, especially the braces on the top. They are easy to cut out of the boards.


I dry fitted the whole base. The bottom cross members fitted nicely without having to sand them as recommended.



I sanded the char off using 100 grit sandpaper. I use small strips of foam board which I attach the sand paper using contact (rubber) cement. The foam board is slightly flexible which is good and when the sandpaper is used I can peel it off and attach another piece. After sanding the outer part of the frame, I removed each interior part and sanded them. That kept the danger of snapping the plywood as I sanded to a minimum.



I didn't sand all the Char off, just the majority to ensure the parts could be strongly glues together. Don't forget to sand the area where the keel is to go, otherwise it will be too tight (as I found out). The spacer slots were also sanded (actually I use a small file) to ensure they fit easily on the frames.


The bottom cross members were glued into place, making sure the frames were spaced equally and at 90 degrees to the base.

 

[Rob444]

I next made a keel out of 1/2X1/4 inch stock. It slid nicely in the sanded frame.

I used the edge of the frame to mark where the rabbet was to start and drew a parallel line 1/16 inch below. I then cut the rabbet with a blade using several passes, which worked well.


I cleaned out the rabbet with a file and glued the top part of the keel to the frame.

 

[Rob444]

Nest were the two keelson caps to be fitted between the frames, above the keel. They are to be cut from 1/4 X 1/4 inch stock. I, of course, cut two pieces from the 1/4 X 5/8 inch stock. The fit perfectly but I failed to see they were 1/16 inch higher than the top of the frames. I discovered my mistake after I glued them into place. Luckily I was able to pry them out before the glue dried and replaced them with the proper size pieces.

 

[GrantTyler]

Good morning Rob. It good to see you start another project. Looking forward to your build. Enjoy. Cheers Grant

 

[Rob444]

Good morning Rob. It good to see you start another project. Looking forward to your build. Enjoy. Cheers Grant

Thank you Grant. I always value your input!

Rob

 

[Jeff T]

I am starting a build log on the USS Constitution Cross Section. I bought this about a year ago when Model Expo had a sale, but I knew from downloading and reviewing the instructions that I needed to so some simpler kits first. After gaining some experience I decided to try to tackle this.

As Issac Newton said,“If I have seen further it is by standing on the shoulders of Giants.” I am indebted by the knowledge I learned from two fantastic build logs One from Jeff T,

USS Constitution Cross Section - Model Shipways MS20245 - 1:76 - by JeffT [COMPLETED BUILD]

This new build is of the Model Shipways USS Constitution Cross Section (MS2045) at 1:76 (Actually the scale is 1:76.8 or 5/32" = 1'). The finished model is 4"x6"x32". I chose this kit for several reasons: 1) It is a nice kit and I like cross sections; 2) The Constitution cross section is a...

shipsofscale.com

and one from Tom Culb

USS Constitution by TomCulb - FINISHED - Model Shipways - 1:76.8 - cross-section

As far as I know this is the first log on this site for Model Shipways’ cross section of the USS Constitution. I bought the kit last summer, when I think it was pretty newly released, and when I was about midway through my Spray build. I have never done a cross section, and I was attracted to the...

modelshipworld.com

Both whose expertise clearly outweigh mine.

On this log I will be concentrating more on my mistakes, the other two logs give good instructions on how to do it correctly. I will probably also build it in a slightly different order. The box and contents were well introduced by the other logs.
View attachment 487613View attachment 487615
View attachment 487618

Thanks for the generous compliments about my build of this kit. Good luck with your build. I'll be following along.

 

[El Capi]

I am starting a build log on the USS Constitution Cross Section. I bought this about a year ago when Model Expo had a sale, but I knew from downloading and reviewing the instructions that I needed to so some simpler kits first. After gaining some experience I decided to try to tackle this.

As Issac Newton said,“If I have seen further it is by standing on the shoulders of Giants.” I am indebted by the knowledge I learned from two fantastic build logs One from Jeff T,

USS Constitution Cross Section - Model Shipways MS20245 - 1:76 - by JeffT [COMPLETED BUILD]

This new build is of the Model Shipways USS Constitution Cross Section (MS2045) at 1:76 (Actually the scale is 1:76.8 or 5/32" = 1'). The finished model is 4"x6"x32". I chose this kit for several reasons: 1) It is a nice kit and I like cross sections; 2) The Constitution cross section is a...

shipsofscale.com

and one from Tom Culb

USS Constitution by TomCulb - FINISHED - Model Shipways - 1:76.8 - cross-section

As far as I know this is the first log on this site for Model Shipways’ cross section of the USS Constitution. I bought the kit last summer, when I think it was pretty newly released, and when I was about midway through my Spray build. I have never done a cross section, and I was attracted to the...

modelshipworld.com

Both whose expertise clearly outweigh mine.

On this log I will be concentrating more on my mistakes, the other two logs give good instructions on how to do it correctly. I will probably also build it in a slightly different order. The box and contents were well introduced by the other logs.
View attachment 487613View attachment 487615
View attachment 487618

Remember this Majic words: YOU WILL NEVER LEARN, IS YOU DO NOT MAKE MISTAKE- EL CAPI

 

[Rob444]

Thanks for the generous compliments about my build of this kit. Good luck with your build. I'll be following along.

Thank you! I will value any input as I move along!

 

[Rob444]

Remember this Majic words: YOU WILL NEVER LEARN, IS YOU DO NOT MAKE MISTAKE- EL CAPI

Thank you! I am sure I will be learning a lot by making many mistakes!

 

[Magic Mike]

Rob, what a great project to tackle. I'm pulling up my hobby chair to follow along! Magic Mike

 

[Rob444]

A 1/4 X 1/4 X 4 inch Keelson cap was then added along the keel. Next I constructed the limbers. Like Tom Culb and Jeff T, I found it much easier to shape the limbers without the step for the mast cut into them. The mast foot attached easily to the Keelson cap and the limbers.




The Hold walls were then installed. These pieces have nice planking and nailing laser inscribed on them. The instructions tell you these pieces have to be trimmed to fit. As per Tom Culb, I cut off the first "plank" next to the Keelson.



I dry fitted them. They still required a bit of sanding along the edge, but then "snapped" into place. The backs of the pieces were moistened and then clamped into place to align with the frames. It was left to dry overnight.

 

[Spars]

I am starting a build log on the USS Constitution Cross Section. I bought this about a year ago when Model Expo had a sale, but I knew from downloading and reviewing the instructions that I needed to so some simpler kits first. After gaining some experience I decided to try to tackle this.

As Issac Newton said,“If I have seen further it is by standing on the shoulders of Giants.” I am indebted by the knowledge I learned from two fantastic build logs One from Jeff T,

USS Constitution Cross Section - Model Shipways MS20245 - 1:76 - by JeffT [COMPLETED BUILD]

This new build is of the Model Shipways USS Constitution Cross Section (MS2045) at 1:76 (Actually the scale is 1:76.8 or 5/32" = 1'). The finished model is 4"x6"x32". I chose this kit for several reasons: 1) It is a nice kit and I like cross sections; 2) The Constitution cross section is a...

shipsofscale.com

and one from Tom Culb

USS Constitution by TomCulb - FINISHED - Model Shipways - 1:76.8 - cross-section

As far as I know this is the first log on this site for Model Shipways’ cross section of the USS Constitution. I bought the kit last summer, when I think it was pretty newly released, and when I was about midway through my Spray build. I have never done a cross section, and I was attracted to the...

modelshipworld.com

Both whose expertise clearly outweigh mine.

On this log I will be concentrating more on my mistakes, the other two logs give good instructions on how to do it correctly. I will probably also build it in a slightly different order. The box and contents were well introduced by the other logs.
View attachment 487613View attachment 487615
View attachment 487618

I have this kit also. Makes an excellent bookends for the USS Constitution.

 

[Rob444]

After I was happy with the fit of the hold decking, I added the 1/8 X 1/16 braces, fitting them then gluing them into place.



I then painted the surfaces including the deck, mast step, limbers and keelson with sanding sealer inpreperation for a light coat of white paint. In doing so I snapped one of the braces which had to be glued back on.

 

[Rob444]

Next after applying some sanding sealer, I applied a few light coats of white acrylic to the hold decking and the frames. I tried (without too much success) to avoid painting where the decks and walls will be attached to the frame.

 

[Spars]

I am starting a build log on the USS Constitution Cross Section. I bought this about a year ago when Model Expo had a sale, but I knew from downloading and reviewing the instructions that I needed to so some simpler kits first. After gaining some experience I decided to try to tackle this.

As Issac Newton said,“If I have seen further it is by standing on the shoulders of Giants.” I am indebted by the knowledge I learned from two fantastic build logs One from Jeff T,

USS Constitution Cross Section - Model Shipways MS20245 - 1:76 - by JeffT [COMPLETED BUILD]

This new build is of the Model Shipways USS Constitution Cross Section (MS2045) at 1:76 (Actually the scale is 1:76.8 or 5/32" = 1'). The finished model is 4"x6"x32". I chose this kit for several reasons: 1) It is a nice kit and I like cross sections; 2) The Constitution cross section is a...

shipsofscale.com

and one from Tom Culb

USS Constitution by TomCulb - FINISHED - Model Shipways - 1:76.8 - cross-section

As far as I know this is the first log on this site for Model Shipways’ cross section of the USS Constitution. I bought the kit last summer, when I think it was pretty newly released, and when I was about midway through my Spray build. I have never done a cross section, and I was attracted to the...

modelshipworld.com

Both whose expertise clearly outweigh mine.

On this log I will be concentrating more on my mistakes, the other two logs give good instructions on how to do it correctly. I will probably also build it in a slightly different order. The box and contents were well introduced by the other logs.
View attachment 487613View attachment 487615
View attachment 487618

I'm learning as I watch....

 

[Rob444]

After gluing the decking into place, I next fabricated the posts that go from the keelson to the frame above. They were made from 3/16 X 3/16 strip. These were marked as per the instructions.



And the posts were carved to give cutouts on each corner.

 

[Rob444]

The posts were then then stained with a cherry stain and glued into place.

 

[Kurt Konrath]

Nice work on the support posts.