USS Constitution Build log by VIC [COMPLETED BUILD]

[Vfordyce]

Now that I know what a capstan is, I am wondering how they use it with these hatch safety bars. I looked on the real ship. It is located in that spot, but the hatches are closed with no bars. I don’t know why the model has the bars on the hatch entrances.

 

[mrshanks]

Main mast safely installed. Looks pretty level.

Nice. I love how you turned a round dowel into a square mast.....

 

[mrshanks]

I don’t know why the model has the bars on the hatch entrances.

Ok... so those safety bars on the hatches were only added during modern times once the ship became a tourist attraction. They were put there for safety reasons and never existed on the ship while it was in actual historical service. I could be wrong on this but I do believe that to be the case.

 

[Vfordyce]

Ok... so those safety bars on the hatches were only added during modern times once the ship became a tourist attraction. They were put there for safety reasons and never existed on the ship while it was in actual historical service. I could be wrong on this but I do believe that to be the case.

They were not there in older pictures. I don’t suppose they use the capstan much any more.

 

[Vfordyce]

Thanks, Mike. I suppose I should take them off, but I sure worked hard on those cages.

 

[mrshanks]

I sure worked hard on those cages.

I totally know what you mean!!!! It's your model... don't ever forget that. I once made a model that ended up looking like a watermelon.

 

[Vfordyce]

I’d like to see that!

 

[Jimsky]

I totally know what you mean!!!! It's your model... don't ever forget that. I once made a model that ended up looking like a watermelon.

Mike, did you made a model of a watermelon?

 

[Vfordyce]

This is what the capstan used to look like on the real Connie.

 

[Vfordyce]

Anyone know if the netting on top of the wales on the Connie was added for safety reasons years after its original use?

 

[mrshanks]

This is what the capstan used to look like on the real Connie.

And the capstan still looks like that today. The handles are removed and stowed when the capstan is not in use.

 

[Vfordyce]

And the capstan still looks like that today. The handles are removed and stowed when the capstan is not in use.

I just noticed the ropes attached to the capstan. I haven't seen that on any of the models.

 

[mrshanks]

I just noticed the ropes attached to the capstan.

What amazes me is the number of crewmen needed to turn the capstan!!!

 

[mrshanks]

Anyone know if the netting on top of the wales on the Connie

These are anti-boarding nets. During times of battle, if the ship were about to be boarded these nets could be raised to encircle the entire ship to help prevent boarding.

 

[Vfordyce]

These are anti-boarding nets. During times of battle, if the ship were about to be boarded these nets could be raised to encircle the entire ship to help prevent boarding.

Do you know what color the nets should be? My guess is it isn’t green.

 

[mrshanks]

Do you know what color the nets should be?

I don't know the exact color. I would guess a dirty white to beige.. same color as the running rigging.

 

[Vfordyce]

The ones provided appear to be green plastic. Now I’ll probably have to go back and paint them even though the admiral likes them

 

[Vfordyce]

Using little file to sand down tabs.

 

[mrshanks]

The ones provided appear to be green plastic.

Show us a picture of these nets you are talking about just to make sure I don't steer you off course!!!!

 

[Vfordyce]

Show us a picture of these nets you are talking about just to make sure I don't steer you off course!!!!

See entry #81