- Joined
- Mar 7, 2025
- Messages
- 13
- Points
- 48
Hi, my name is Rob. I am a retired Mustang Navy Commander, 30 years. I promised myself after I retired from the Navy, that I would build a wooden model ship as a reminder of my service and the Navy's rich traditions from the last couple of hundred years. Six years after retirement, I finally took the leap of faith and started with the USS Constitution from Model Expo.
I grew up building lots of models, primarily plastic military aircraft and Navy ships. Am I an expert, not by a long stretch when I see some of the amazing talent that is out there and how this hobby has progressed over 40 years. I love it and find it relaxing to read, research, build, and take your time in creating your own work of art.
As a young Naval Officer, I remember the first time visiting the USS Constitution in Boston Harbour and was completely fascinated by her history and the symbol of today's Navy. I had gone into the museum which had the gift store and remember seeing a man inside a workshop building a wooden ship in the same vein as the USS Constitution. He sat building this model in a room that could only be viewed by windows to the outside of the shop. The moment I saw this, I was, "that's what I want to do after I retire as a hobby."
Luckily, I discovered that we can actually buy the entire kit and build it. As a new Ensign, I almost fell over when I saw the price tag was over $1200...and I understand why now, after all these years about why that is. Suffice it to say, I bought the kit, replenished my modeling paints and tools and then some because I was aware of extra woodworking tools and glues to use for the project.
I started building about 4 weeks ago and I must admit, it is a bit more challenging than I expected. Reading the blueprint of the actual ship-build is a little different that reading a regular diagram or schematic. Luckily there are some resources online via video or with pictures and explanations including advice on how to do it. I will be adding photos periodically showing progress, even if it doesn't look pretty.
On the weekend, I completed the bulkheads and bevels and shored up the bulkhead, so everything aligns on the port and starboard side of the ship...the reference lines worked out well because it's easy to sand down the center keel a hair wider to ensure the bulkhead reaches the bearding line.
Right now, I am getting ready to build the bow and stern filler blocks as well as the counter-block in the stern. It is very intimidating to read and/or create. This is where I've seen tricks from cutting and sanding wood blocks to using expandable foam and shaping it if your blocks of wood become a casualty if you mess up the block of wood royally, lol. Is it an honest shortcut to make it easier, or is it frowned upon using the foam to almost create the same thing without the blood, sweat, and tears of your hand wood carving tools? If anyone has thoughts about this particular question, I would be interested on what other users' opinions that have gone through this.
I look forward to being a part of the forum of like hobbyists and enjoying the journey. Something I have to remember is that in the beginning, it's not going to look pretty and there's plenty of time to correct all sorts of problems like my Bearding line and Rabbett looking ugly compared to some really nice pictures out there. I just need to sand it smoothly a little bit and come as close as possible.
Best regards,
Rob
I grew up building lots of models, primarily plastic military aircraft and Navy ships. Am I an expert, not by a long stretch when I see some of the amazing talent that is out there and how this hobby has progressed over 40 years. I love it and find it relaxing to read, research, build, and take your time in creating your own work of art.
As a young Naval Officer, I remember the first time visiting the USS Constitution in Boston Harbour and was completely fascinated by her history and the symbol of today's Navy. I had gone into the museum which had the gift store and remember seeing a man inside a workshop building a wooden ship in the same vein as the USS Constitution. He sat building this model in a room that could only be viewed by windows to the outside of the shop. The moment I saw this, I was, "that's what I want to do after I retire as a hobby."
Luckily, I discovered that we can actually buy the entire kit and build it. As a new Ensign, I almost fell over when I saw the price tag was over $1200...and I understand why now, after all these years about why that is. Suffice it to say, I bought the kit, replenished my modeling paints and tools and then some because I was aware of extra woodworking tools and glues to use for the project.
I started building about 4 weeks ago and I must admit, it is a bit more challenging than I expected. Reading the blueprint of the actual ship-build is a little different that reading a regular diagram or schematic. Luckily there are some resources online via video or with pictures and explanations including advice on how to do it. I will be adding photos periodically showing progress, even if it doesn't look pretty.
On the weekend, I completed the bulkheads and bevels and shored up the bulkhead, so everything aligns on the port and starboard side of the ship...the reference lines worked out well because it's easy to sand down the center keel a hair wider to ensure the bulkhead reaches the bearding line.
Right now, I am getting ready to build the bow and stern filler blocks as well as the counter-block in the stern. It is very intimidating to read and/or create. This is where I've seen tricks from cutting and sanding wood blocks to using expandable foam and shaping it if your blocks of wood become a casualty if you mess up the block of wood royally, lol. Is it an honest shortcut to make it easier, or is it frowned upon using the foam to almost create the same thing without the blood, sweat, and tears of your hand wood carving tools? If anyone has thoughts about this particular question, I would be interested on what other users' opinions that have gone through this.
I look forward to being a part of the forum of like hobbyists and enjoying the journey. Something I have to remember is that in the beginning, it's not going to look pretty and there's plenty of time to correct all sorts of problems like my Bearding line and Rabbett looking ugly compared to some really nice pictures out there. I just need to sand it smoothly a little bit and come as close as possible.
Best regards,
Rob
