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Hemingway's Pilar kit

The USS Constitution, which we visited last September. Since I am building it now, I wanted to get on it to see as many details as I could. Unfortunately, it had rained that morning, so a lot of the top spar deck accoutrements were covered. We were able to also get down to the gun deck, as well, though, so it was still an awesome experience. Would go back to Boston again in a heartbeat. It was a fun trip.
Okay then… I was just looking at that one modelxpo had on sale last week… do have a build log on here?
Never mind about your build I just found it … I clicked on the link in your bio..
 
Okay then… I was just looking at that one modelxpo had on sale last week… do have a build log on here?
Never mind about your build I just found it … I clicked on the link in your bio..
I bought my Constitution when it was on sale, as well. I am very early-on in my build, but there are a handful of other active great Constitution build logs on here and MSW already, and I follow all of them. Mustafa (mtbediz1) is probably the closest to completion and has done amazing work. He is doing a scratch build but has been using the Model Shipways kit plans, as well as the US Navy plans.
 
Hey Grex! It's all looking good! If I can be critical, though, and ask a question? How thick/tall is that cushion? At first look, it appears a bit out of scale, but perhaps it's simply the camera angle.

I'm getting itchy to get my Pilar started, watching your build coming together so nicely (and quickly!). Thumbsup
 
Hey Grex! It's all looking good! If I can be critical, though, and ask a question? How thick/tall is that cushion? At first look, it appears a bit out of scale, but perhaps it's simply the camera angle.

I'm getting itchy to get my Pilar started, watching your build coming together so nicely (and quickly!). Thumbsup
Yes, I didn’t think about that. the foam is about 2mm thick loose, when I stretched the fabric over it and glued it, it added 1.5 mm to the overall height. I guess I could have just added the fabric without the foam. I’ll take a closer look.
Quickly yes, I’m 75 and retired, I stay in the garage out of my wife’s way most of the time, keeps me out of trouble. :)
 
Hi Grex, I am following your build with interest. I was going to ask how you made your cushions, but I think you just answered that question. And I think thats what shops and garages are for!
Cool build
 
Hi Grex, I am following your build with interest. I was going to ask how you made your cushions, but I think you just answered that question. And I think thats what shops and garages are for!
Cool build
Thanks for following, yes I glued the foam to top of the bench lid provided with the kit, painted the fabric with acrylic paint, then when dry, stretched and glued over the foam. And like Greg noticed, it did add 1.5 mm of extra height to the bench but to me when put in place on the boat my eye doesn’t see the height. I think I’m going to keep the padding. But, they’re not glued in place yet. :)
 
Plastic parts for Model Shipways' Pilar???? No way. What you get are 3D Printed parts in Resin; not plastic. Metal is nice and heavy but 3D printing is precise to the micro-millimeter without the occasional distortion and rough edges of less than precise centrifugally cast metal. And, the price of Brittania (pewter) alloy has nearly tripled in the last five years.
 
Plastic parts for Model Shipways' Pilar???? No way. What you get are 3D Printed parts in Resin; not plastic. Metal is nice and heavy but 3D printing is precise to the micro-millimeter without the occasional distortion and rough edges of less than precise centrifugally cast metal. And, the price of Brittania (pewter) alloy has nearly tripled in the last five years.
Yes sir the parts that come with this kit are resin 3D printed and look pretty good to me. I am just a hobbyist so I easy to please. Thanks for the info.
 
Continued nice work, Grex! Excellent detail on the folding seat hinge. Don't recall if you mentioned early on, but have you been using all of the kit-supplied wood and resin parts, or are there pieces that you have "manufactured" yourself using different wood, brass, etc.?

I was visiting today with a local fellow shipbuilder who also recently purchased this kit and told him how well you were doing on this build (and your speed in doing so!). Continued success in your build! Anxious to see your fighting chair!
 
Continued nice work, Grex! Excellent detail on the folding seat hinge. Don't recall if you mentioned early on, but have you been using all of the kit-supplied wood and resin parts, or are there pieces that you have "manufactured" yourself using different wood, brass, etc.?

I was visiting today with a local fellow shipbuilder who also recently purchased this kit and told him how well you were doing on this build (and your speed in doing so!). Continued success in your build! Anxious to see your fighting chair!
Greg, yes so far I’m using the wood and resin parts that came with the kit.. I usually do use original unless the wood or parts are really garbage. I only build for my own pleasure and viewing enjoyment so I’m not that particular for my home use :) . Now the mast (resin 3d printed) is bowed. I’m trying to fix it, maybe with some rigging I can get it straight if not I’ll make a new one out of wood. Those hinges on the seat were resin, the seat itself was wood and the seat back was resin with resin post to connect to the seat. I thought I would make my own seat back and use brass strips to connect to the seat. I’ll see what else I change as I progress. Of course any bashing I do I’ll let you know. Thanks for following this I appreciate the comments and conversation.
 
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