USS Constitution 1:70 Scratch

[mtbediz1]

The wood strip caps were added to the channels and entire channels and plates were varnished.

 

[mtbediz1]

I began preparing the masts with the main mast. Using my milling machine, I squared off the top and chamfered the corners, as indicated in the plan.

 

[mtbediz1]

I completed the chafing fish of the main mast using 1.5 x 2.2 mm basswood strips, chamfering their edges so they fit snugly around the mast without gaps.

 

[RichardG]

Really looking good. Highly realistic paint and finish.

 

[KAYA61]

If you want to describe it in one word, it is perfect, even beyond perfect.

 

[Thrasher]

Right on track!

 

[Humble Ship Builder]

I’ve been building ships since I was a kid and progressed to more and more challenging kits but what you are making is incredible. Koodos on this awesome build.

 

[Jack Jäger]

Mustafa your superb workmanship is shinning through as always.

All the best Jack

 

[Peter Gutterman]

All of the above!

 

[mtbediz1]

Thank you friends, for the encouraging comments and likes.

 

[mtbediz1]

I'm still working on the masts. I've finished the chafing fish on all three masts and started mounting the iron bands. I cut the iron bands from 0.3 mm brass sheet and glued in place with CA.

 

[ConsNZ]

I'm still working on the masts. I've finished the chafing fish on all three masts and started mounting the iron bands. I cut the iron bands from 0.3 mm brass sheet and glued in place with CA.

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In my minds eye that is truly magnificent work. Totally blown away by that mast work.

 

[mtbediz1]

In my minds eye that is truly magnificent work. Totally blown away by that mast work.

Thank you.

 

[mtbediz1]

I've started building the fighting tops, which are quite detailed. I began with the main mast top and, if I'm not mistaken, I've already prepared and assembled 57 pieces for it so far. I'm not sure how many more will be needed.

 

[mtbediz1]

The wooden superstructure of all three fighting tops has been completed. It wasn’t a very difficult task, but it’s time-consuming because of the amount of detail.

 

[RussF]

Mustafa, those fighting tops look great! For an interesting read, check out The Constitution Fighting Top at The Naval History and Heritage Command. One does not fully comprehend the size and bulk of these platforms until you see some of the photos and realize that the fore top alone weighed more than 15,000 lbs!

 

[mtbediz1]

Mustafa, those fighting tops look great! For an interesting read, check out The Constitution Fighting Top at The Naval History and Heritage Command. One does not fully comprehend the size and bulk of these platforms until you see some of the photos and realize that the fore top alone weighed more than 15,000 lbs!

Yes, Russ, I was surprised when I saw on the plans for the USS Constitution that the main top was 21 feet wide. They are truly massive structures.

 

[mtbediz1]

I’m fitting brass bands around the square tops of the masts. I milled 0.2 mm deep grooves, bent 0.3 mm brass strip to shape, and fixed it in place with CA glue.

 

[rtwpsom2]

I have found that when milling wood, if you score the edges with a hobby knife beforehand, you will get much cleaner edges to your mill pockets.

 

[mtbediz1]

Thanks, I will try it next time.