I’m in progress with my first wooden ship model after walking this earth for 72 years. It is the USS Constitution Cross Section. I’ve built plastic models since I was a kid, mainly WW II aircraft, but have done cars, bi-planes, military and commercial aircraft, rockets and more over the years. I wanted to do a sailing ship to learn how they were built and how they worked. In the history of mankind, I believe these ships represent one of the most influential major achievement that hugely altered the world in discovery, military, and population patterns using only natural wind and currents to move and be able to survive in unpredictable and rough sea conditions.
Now the tough admission. Not knowing anything about this art, I recently purchased a kit on eBay from a Chinese maker, I was drawn on what a nice shelf display it would eventually make. Unfortunately the kit came with instructions were in Chinese. The seller later emailed a set of “English” instructions. These were really lousy and undecipherable. I have been able to make slow progress thanks to photos in the 10 page instuctions, one full scale plan sheet, and most importantly, what I have learned from the great folks on this site. I have followed several builds of the similar Model Expo Constitution, including a great one from Tom Culp and have seen your building recommendations on tools, painting, puttying, adhesives, shaping, knots and rigging. Someone recommended a book of 3d sketches from Petersson which has been a solid resource.
I’m getting too wordy, but the main message here is Thank You to you all. Your knowledge and skills have been invaluable to me. I’ll get through this one and am looking forward to the next model. This is a great site for sharing.
Now the tough admission. Not knowing anything about this art, I recently purchased a kit on eBay from a Chinese maker, I was drawn on what a nice shelf display it would eventually make. Unfortunately the kit came with instructions were in Chinese. The seller later emailed a set of “English” instructions. These were really lousy and undecipherable. I have been able to make slow progress thanks to photos in the 10 page instuctions, one full scale plan sheet, and most importantly, what I have learned from the great folks on this site. I have followed several builds of the similar Model Expo Constitution, including a great one from Tom Culp and have seen your building recommendations on tools, painting, puttying, adhesives, shaping, knots and rigging. Someone recommended a book of 3d sketches from Petersson which has been a solid resource.
I’m getting too wordy, but the main message here is Thank You to you all. Your knowledge and skills have been invaluable to me. I’ll get through this one and am looking forward to the next model. This is a great site for sharing.
