USS Constitution by Model Shipways. - First Build Log

[rturcic72]

Ok, this is my first build log ever and I started with the USS Constitution (MS2040 1/76, 48 inches, Model Expo). It was definitely an ambitious move to undertake after realizing that this is one of the more challenging builds. As I promised in my intro, I am adding pictures of what I've done so far prior to joining this forum. I seem to be doing ok and at each stage of reading the build plans, I would research online as well to make sure I was doing things correctly. Everything I've done has been by hand and I use my Dremel for shaping and sanding along with chisels.

 

[Kurt Konrath]

There are many build logs here in the forum of this kit, with the how-to's, and what's wrong with the kit.

Use the search tool to see what others have said and done.

 

[rturcic72]

Ok, this is my first build log ever and I started with the USS Constitution (MS2040 1/76, 38 inches, Model Expo). It was definitely an ambitious move to undertake after realizing that this is one of the more challenging builds. As I promised in my intro, I am adding pictures of what I've done so far prior to joining this forum. I seem to be doing ok and at each stage of reading the build plans, I would research online as well to make sure I was doing View attachment 510136things correctly. Everything I've done has been by hand and I use my Dremel for shaping and sanding along with chisels.

View attachment 510135View attachment 510137

So far, everything lines up based on the build plans and the manual. I took my time after exploring online what others have done, or how they did it. After I carved out the Rabbett and the Bearding Lines, after tracing the pattern, I was worried I would mess it up, but it turns out that it worked out and followed the reference line pretty well. For the bow and stern areas where there are tapers, I will be sanding those down smoother to look nicer because hand carving is not perfect and I'm surprised I didn't break anything because going down from 1/4 to 1/8 leave you with a very thin piece of wood before gluing on the stern and keel, etc. I will admit, some folks did some amazing jobs from start to finish of this particular ship model. I'll just take my time, so it turns out great. Again, I like the challenge even though I underestimated the skill level of this build, lol...but I think I can handle it and I'm open to all constructive feedback regarding this build and the pictures associated with them.

 

[Kurt Konrath]

Bob Hunt, of Lauck Street Shipyard has a great practicum on both ship assembly and mast and rigging, well worth the extra cost to get help in building a better ship model.

Bob "lauckstreet" is also a member of the forum and can provide input and advise about this practicum.

USF Constitution

This Sophomore Course is based on the Model Shipways kit, USF Constitution (MS2040). This course consists of 12 chapters and covers the complete construction of the hull. A separate Masting and Rigging course is also available consisting of 6 chapters. It covers making the masts and spars and...

lauckstreetshipyard.com

 

[Roger Pellett]

You’re off to a good start.

 

[GrantTyler]

Good afternoon. Welcome to SoS. Lovey progress so far. Cheers Grant

 

[rturcic72]

Bob Hunt, of Lauck Street Shipyard has a great practicum on both ship assembly and mast and rigging, well worth the extra cost to get help in building a better ship model.

Bob "lauckstreet" is also a member of the forum and can provide input and advise about this practicum.

USF Constitution

This Sophomore Course is based on the Model Shipways kit, USF Constitution (MS2040). This course consists of 12 chapters and covers the complete construction of the hull. A separate Masting and Rigging course is also available consisting of 6 chapters. It covers making the masts and spars and...

lauckstreetshipyard.com

Awesome, thank you very much!

 

[Rob444]

Looking good!

Rob

 

[AllanKP69]

For the bow and stern areas where there are tapers, I will be sanding those down smoother to look nice

The fact that you are doing this at all is such a nice thing to see. It is all but ignored on most builds and that you are taking the time to do it is to be complimented.
Thanks for sharing your work with us.
Allan

 

[Spars]

Ok, this is my first build log ever and I started with the USS Constitution (MS2040 1/76, 48 inches, Model Expo). It was definitely an ambitious move to undertake after realizing that this is one of the more challenging builds. As I promised in my intro, I am adding pictures of what I've done so far prior to joining this forum. I seem to be doing ok and at each stage of reading the build plans, I would research online as well to make sure I was doing View attachment 510136things correctly. Everything I've done has been by hand and I use my Dremel for shaping and sanding along with chisels.

View attachment 510135View attachment 510137

Seeing these pics I learn something useful. BTW there are ideas for the shop in my new house.

 

[JSGerson]

I look forward to your future posts.

Jon

 

[Donnie]

I am also building this same model. It is unfortunate that the manual is quite inferior, however, the plans are very detailed.

USS Constitution MS2040

Well, I guess I can be added to the list of those that have built the Conny either this Model Expo version or another. I have had this on my list for many years - so, I guess it is time. I also bought Bob Hunts Practicum to go along and it seems exceptionally well written - so thumbs up to...

shipsofscale.com

 

[Jeff T]

Excellent start! Keep up the good work!

 

[aholt44]

Absolutely, positively, agree with the comment on Bob Hunt and Lauck Street Shipyard -- it is absolutely a fantastic practicum on building the MS kit of USS Constitution -- and you will learn a LOT that will help you with future builds. I cannot recommend Bob's practicums enough. I bought the Constitution kit and, after looking it over, thought, oh, my, what have I got myself into? Then I found Bob Hunt's College of Ship Model Building (Lauck Street). The Constitution practicum is the "Sophomore" one, with the Armed Virginia Sloop (the one I used) the "Freshman" one. Even though I really wanted to build the Constitution, I bought the AVS kit (Model Expo) and Bob's practicum on building it. I am SO very glad I did -- incredible learning with AVS that transferred to Constitution, where there was even more learning. You will be very happy with whatever path you choose, but Bob Hunt's stuff is so well worth every penny you spend.

 

[rturcic72]

Bob Hunt, of Lauck Street Shipyard has a great practicum on both ship assembly and mast and rigging, well worth the extra cost to get help in building a better ship model.

Bob "lauckstreet" is also a member of the forum and can provide input and advise about this practicum.

USF Constitution

This Sophomore Course is based on the Model Shipways kit, USF Constitution (MS2040). This course consists of 12 chapters and covers the complete construction of the hull. A separate Masting and Rigging course is also available consisting of 6 chapters. It covers making the masts and spars and...

lauckstreetshipyard.com

Thanks for thr link. I ordered the Sophmore course and the masting and rigging courses as well. I'm fascinated by this project even though it is the most challenging I've ever undertaken because I've been a plastic model builder most of my life. But, I've come to learn so far that the researching and reading the plans carefully does make a huge difference after I understand it and let it sink in. There's quite a lot of new terminology as well that I never knew existed. But, I don't regret it one bit...a challenge is a challenge and I don't think I've ever turned down any unreasonable challenge.

 

[kingkahn1950]

I agree 100%. Bob Hunt’s practicum is the way to go with this kit. You learn so much with respect to kit bashing, upgrading what’s in the kit, all kinds of techniques useful too for future builds. Looking forward to your progress.

 

[rturcic72]

I have slowed down a bit the couple of weeks because of a death in the family. I did acquire Bob Hunt's practicum for the Constitution build and the practicum for the mast and rigging. I'm cleaning up the bow filler blocks and debating whether to knock out the bow framing and knight head, or getting the stern filler blocks and structure knocked out...either way, they'll get done.

 

[Kurt Konrath]

Sorry to hear of loss of a loved one, it hurts inside and takes a while for the brains and body to overcome things not truly understood.

I lost my close companion, Daisy, a Lab/Retriever rescue dog, who used to come in shop and sit at my feet as I worked. It takes so much to go back not having her there, and not fussing at her for being in the way. Even though it happened over a month ago, I tend to loose it, when the subject comes up and it sets me back for a day or two.

While waiting on my shop to get cleared out of clutter, I have reviewed the practicum on this ship multiple times, so when ready, I will hopefully understand and be ready to go with construction.

 

[kingkahn1950]

I have slowed down a bit the couple of weeks because of a death in the family. I did acquire Bob Hunt's practicum for the Constitution build and the practicum for the mast and rigging. I'm cleaning up the bow filler blocks and debating whether to knock out the bow framing and knight head, or getting the stern filler blocks and structure knocked out...either way, they'll get done.

I have slowed down a bit the couple of weeks because of a death in the family. I did acquire Bob Hunt's practicum for the Constitution build and the practicum for the mast and rigging. I'm cleaning up the bow filler blocks and debating whether to knock out the bow framing and knight head, or getting the stern filler blocks and structure knocked out...either way, they'll get done.

Sorry for your loss. Seems like a good time to sit back and reflect on many things and resolve the filler blocks in your head too

 

[rturcic72]

So this is a current update of what I've done so far after I came back from bereavement leave. Don't worry, this keeps my mind occupied and I've always found it relaxing building models. Anyway, this was my first attempt at bow fillers. Yes, the first time you do it by hand and no machines, it is kind if tough if you've never done this before. So, everything seemed fine until I realized I was off on the by a a couple millimeters and that the port side was sanded down too much, I don't know how I got the measurements wrong, but I glued on 1/8" and sanded it down to correct that. Then I used model putty to reshape the area in question and sanded them down. That's how I corrected them. They look ugly, but it works. I have Bob Hunts practicum for the build and rigging. So, after going through his filler section realized the mistakes I made, 1) I did not use the templates correctly and the proper way to do them. 2) I glued them on BHD A and the centerline instead of doing a good sanity check on the size and location so that the rabbet lined up. Now that I have Bob's practicum, I feel more confident in this build. His layout made me think about a lot of things and a plan how to do them without rushing. The best advice I got after buying the practicum was to look at these projects front a 3D point of view from top to bottom, right and left, and front and back. This philosophy helped me a lot when it came to the stern and counter filler blocks.