USS Constellation 1797 Build Log...

[mtbediz1]

Much better now, congratulations!

 

[KAYA61]

@mtbediz1 Thank you for your advice.

 

[KAYA61]

@Papatotalos thank Sir

 

[KAYA61]

@Namabiiru and @kuba91nt thank you very much Sir.

 

[KAYA61]

The gun covers are finished. It seemed more logical to attach the covers in two places from the top. The bow anchors (right and left) are finished. I've started on the stern rudder assembly. Also, I didn't like the cast iron "Constellation" lettering that came with the kit, so I decided to make it out of wood.

 

[KAYA61]

@Namabiiru thank you very much Sir.

 

[KAYA61]

@kuba91nt thank you very much Sir.

 

[mtbediz1]

The gun covers are finished.

Unfortunately, I have to say that the gunports are completely incorrect. Either the ports have been cut too small, or the lids have been made too large. When closed, the lids should fit into the ports and should not create any protrusions on the hull surface.

In your photos, the gunports look like they were made too small to me. If you have the chance to correct them, I suggest you do so.

In your first layer of planking, the size of the ports looks normal. After the second layer the ports have become smaller. I didn’t understand the reason for this. Why did you do it that way?

Since the ports are located in such a visible area, their current situation doesn’t quite match the otherwise excellent overall appearance of the model. If possible, adjusting them would make the presentation even more harmonious.

 

[KAYA61]

@mtbediz1 Dear Sir, I tried to make the gun bearing covers exactly according to the width and length specified in the manufacturer's plan. I honestly don't understand why the gun bearing housings are smaller after the second coating compared to the first one.I think I didn't account for the frames of the gun slots. The frames add up to 0.4 mm on each side, which means the gun port is 0.4 mm smaller.
Should I remove them all so covers, resize them to fit the gun bearing housings, and reinstall them? What do you suggest, or what would you do?

 

[KAYA61]

@Norway thank you very much Sir.

 

[KAYA61]

In your first layer of planking, the size of the ports looks normal. After the second layer the ports have become smaller. I didn’t understand the reason for this. Why did you do it that way?

I can't figure out the reason for this either. Do you have any ideas or suggestions? Would simply making the gun caps smaller be enough?Honestly, I don't think I can modify the gun ports at this stage. But I think I can reduce the size of the gun caps.

 

[mtbediz1]

I can't figure out the reason for this either. Do you have any ideas or suggestions? Would simply making the gun caps smaller be enough?Honestly, I don't think I can modify the gun ports at this stage. But I think I can reduce the size of the gun caps.

I checked the build log of another modeler who built the same kit. He made the same mistake. I think the build instructions provided by the kit manufacturer misled the modelers. If there's no way to enlarge the gunports, leave them as they are, or reduce the size of the lids. At least reduce the size of one for testing purposes and see how it looks.

 

[KAYA61]

@mtbediz thank you very much for your interest. I'm following the same topics on other sites. I had the same thought. I could reduce the size of the lids. I agree with you; I don't want to blame the manufacturer, but I don't plan on buying another Artesania kit because there were many mistakes in the plans.

Also, we learn by making mistakes. I think I'll be more careful about these things next time.

 

[KAYA61]

@mtbediz1 again thanks and I must to say your are an idol for me...

 

[kuba91nt]

If something is poorly designed, it's not you who makes the mistake, it's the manufacturer fault. You're just wasting your time making that mistake.

 

[KAYA61]

@kuba91nt, Dear Master, you're right, but if I were a good modeler, I should have foreseen this. It seems I didn't plan well enough, but I still want to be optimistic, and my greatest hope is that I will avoid the mistakes I made in this and the previous models by planning well in my future projects.

 

[KAYA61]

@mtbediz1 and @kuba91nt One of the main purposes of keeping a build log was precisely this: to see the mistakes I made from others' perspective, to identify how I could correct them, and to determine what I was doing wrong.I hope I'm on the right track.

 

[Papatotalos]

Hello Kay(a), sorry if I'm mistaken.
I also have something to mention. The stock of your anchor must be 90 degrees turned on the shank. Now it is in line with the flukes (or arms).
This is incorrect and can not be used in this way.


I hope you can change it.

 

[mtbediz1]

When building from a kit, strictly following only the manufacturer’s instructions can sometimes lead to inaccuracies. Fortunately, today there is a wealth of information and visual references available online showing how each piece of equipment should actually look and how it was used in real life. We are not necessarily required to follow the kit instructions word for word. With a bit of research, we can often discover a more accurate approach and apply it to our builds.

 

[KAYA61]

@Papatotalos thanks you Sir...

Yes, I can change that. And when I've made all the changes, like the anchor angle and the new look of the gun covers, I'll upload pictures here.