USS Constitution 1797 Cross Section (Model Shipways), by Strand

[Strand]

The Spar deck is finished and I have started to equip it with the necessary equipment.
Actually, I should have planked the hull first, but as everyone knows by now, I love my little 1:76 crew members and I couldn't resist installing two carronades and manning them.

First of all, carronadas alone...


Then with the corresponding staff:



followed by the second carronade and its gunners...

 

[Strand]

And all this just to put off my first big challenge, planking the hull.

As I admitted at the beginning, I am a complete novice when it comes to wooden shipbuilding.
I have been a model expert for decades, but not a shipbuilder.
Here some of my works of the last years.
And all this just to put off my first big challenge, planking the hull.
As I admitted at the beginning, I am a complete novice when it comes to wooden shipbuilding.
I have been a model expert for decades, but not a shipbuilder. Here are a few examples:



After deciding to get into shipbuilding, I started with the cross section of the USS Constitution to get a feel for wood, gain some initial experience and attach the first, albeit super humble, planks to the hull.
And as far as I can tell, it worked out quite well.
My fear was unfounded.



However, I have the most respect for copper plating, as I have no experience with it whatsoever and this copper foil seems very fragile. I hope it doesn't turn into a complete mess.

 

[Strand]

The copper wasn't so bad after all. But that only applies to my expectations. Perhaps the result isn't as good as I think it is. In any case, I'm satisfied.



I built a device where I could cut the foil and attach the rivets.
And once again, I took the liberty of a model builder and only used the rivet rows very sporadically. In my opinion, and I'm really no expert here, the many rivets look too dominat on a scale of 1:76.

In any case, I decided to take the next step and bought the HMS Flirt from Vanguard Models. I'm really looking forward to it; it's almost like Christmas for me.



Hopefully, the steps I'm taking aren't too big, but I'll find out. That's called learning the hard way...

Or as a political heavyweight once said: ‘Not because it's easy, but because it's hard.’
But I don't want to go to the moon; I want to be able to build the HMS Surprise when it goes on sale soon. That's my goal.

But first, I'll finish the USS Constitution, as the next big challenge is coming up soon: the masting and rigging.
Another completely new thing for me. With the guns and carronades, I was able to work with blocks and ropes for the first time and am constantly improving.



I quite like the lad, but again, that's not an expert opinion, just my humble opinion.

 

[Strand]

So, after a long time, I'm continuing my career as a shipwright.
I started with the shrouds; everything to do with ropes and blocks is completely new to me.

I've bought a "few" books on the subject...



And then we were ready to go.
The assistant has already arrived and is waiting patiently for his assignment.

By the way, this is my workplace, a box with a lid that can be closed.

The first shrouds were installed, the first knots tied, the first ratline knotted – all completely new territory for me. But it's fun.

 

[Willbor237]

And that fantastic cat in the back, controlling if all goes by plan.
Fantastic work !!

 

[Strand]

A little bit more rigging

 

[Strand]

And that fantastic cat in the back, controlling if all goes by plan.
Fantastic work !!

I have 3 of them

 

[Strand]

And finally, a few impressions of life on the USS Constitution



It was a wonderful first project that left me wanting more.
So I immediately started my second project, the HMS Flirt from Vanguard Models. This will be my first real ship.

I can already show you a photo of it...



And hopefully many other projects will follow. One of them must be an "Admiralty style" ship and a POF in 1:48 scale. But before that, I would like to build the Surprise from Vanguard Models. Plans, plans, plans...

Thank you for your kind and encouraging words. It has been a pleasure to be part of a larger community and to receive encouragement from experienced and veteran shipwrights.

Goodbye and see you next time.

 

[Big Jake]

Stran,

I have the same kit and will hopefully take it out the box in '26. I have a few questions, where did you purchase the figures from? I'll like to purchase a few for my model as well. Also, I noticed you have a Jacob's ladder above the fighting top or am I not seeing the pictures clearly; was that called for? I've built this kit before back in 1997 (gave to a charity auction) and I could not remember if this was part of the rig? I circled in red. Thanks