USS Constitution Cross section 1:93 Mamoli

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Aug 4, 2018
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Baltimore, Maryland USA
I received this kit from my Boss who wanted it built ASAP. This will set me back a bit on other builds, but I'm happy to build it for him. Before I ended up hospitalized I managed to get some of it done so I figured I would share the progress here. First this kit isn't accurate as it's missing the 4th deck, shot locker and I'm sure a bit more I will build it well but I wont be doing much extra work I considered using the Blandford Shot locker and adding that to the build. but I don't have a lot of space on this build and talking with my boss he would like it as its pictured on the box so that's what I'll give him, but I'll add what I can so long as it doesn't take long to do and doesn't take from the original picture of it on the box. Couldn't find the JD in the box, but that's ok I like Makers Mark and I have a full bottle that was begging to be opened.
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I started off by printing a half dozen copies of the frame blueprint I didn't want to pin the frame in place so I used a scrap piece of plexi glass and clamped the frame halves to the pattern till the glue set up. I added Bolts and joints to the front and rear frames using a mechanical pencil
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Once the frames were assembles I started stacking and plumping them up using the spacers provided in the kit. Every spacer appeared to be cut by a 4 year old and none were square on the ends, so I pulled out the Old Sand-It tool and squared them all up to the rite measurements and started stacking frames
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Initially I was concerned about the spacers lining up exact, but found that it just wasn't needed to be precise the spacers also don't fit to the edge of the frames so no need to make sure they were set perfectly. I made sure to hold them as close to the center as possible. Once all the frames were assembled into a unit I looked the assembly over and found very little fairing of the assembly was needed almost none. I cut and installed the Beam Supports in the proper locations.
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I got to work on cutting shaping and assembling the beams they are made from to pieces each. I let those set up on the Blueprint for several hours to ensure they held the shape.
then I started Installing them per the Instructions. Seemed odd that the instructions called for them to all be installed as it will make the inner planking a bit more difficult, but in true fashion I did what I was told to do to the letter.
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I purposely left out the gun port trim till I was sure where the planking would fall so I started the planking on the inside of the assembly. I also cut out the walk though section. FUN
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Once I established how the planking would work with the gun port openings I installed the framing for those.
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I got to planking the rest of the inside walls got carried away and before I knew it, it was all covered up
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That's all I have for now but I'll be back working on this tomorrow. I want to wrap it up as fast as Possible.
 
There are a lot of issues with this kit. I bought the Book Anatomy of the ship USS Constitution was planning in upgrading the kit but the boss man wants what's pictured on the box. Reading through the book no way I would ever buy this kit to build personally it's far from accurate. It's been an odd build so far. It appears the deck planking is no good it should be 1×3mm its all tapered running from 2mm to 5mm over its length so looks like I either scab it together or buy better deck planking. I doubt mamoli will send out new planks someone messed up cutting it badly. I'm looking for planking I'd rather not scab it together.
 
Hey Buddy,
I am digging the fact that you are taking the time to please your boss and I know that craftsman in you recoils from certain aspect of this kit. I too will scratch build a cross section of the vessel but at a scale of 1:48. So while sitting on the sidelines here, I'll try to sponge up all the little points you may bring up and ensure that I address mine accordingly.

Ray
 
Thanx folks. Dave your build looks awesome, I love that you took it to a higher level and made it something better, that's really the best thing for the kit since its no where near an accurate offing. Very nice work on the shot locker. I really wanted to add that to this build, but the Boss man doesn't want it any different then pictured on the box. He is a simple kind of man so I suspect he just doesn't want me to go to the trouble of building extra things for it. I explained to him with everything else wrong in the kit it would only help the model. I think after this build is done I will use my New book to build him an accurate cross section of this vessel. But I have some other builds I plan on finishing up first.
 
Got some planking on the exterior done while watching that sickening display the Baltimore Ravens put up. I got carried away things were going so well I forgot to take pictures of some of it.
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Sanded everything down and opened the lower gun ports 20190106_195735.jpg20190107_043854.jpg
Started installing the Hanging Knees trying to get them in place while I mark for the notches was a chore with the deck supports all installed.
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Hope to get them all installed today
 
It's not the quality of the kit that makes the model but rather the skill of the modeler who can make the model look good.

Ray
 
This is true but having an accurate kit helps. this one didnt even have the room to put in the 4th deck that absolutely should be there. I could have done some nice stuff with it, but the owner doesn't want anything more then the way its pictured on the box. I personally would have made new frames that allowed for the 4th deck.
 
Some new progress got all the knees installed installed the entry and hand rails had to widen the rails as the supplied wood wasn't near wide enough. This kit from mamoli is a big disappointment. I really like building kits made by them this one however not so much.
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Thankfully I keep all my left over wood from kits so I have a good supply to fix issues such as the rail. I ordered new wood for the deck planking what was provided just wasn't going to work. I found quite a few other lengths of wood in the kit that was not cut properly meaning it tapers from one size to another over its length .5-1mm I can work around 2-3mm is out of the question.
 
I feel bad for you Buddy. The struggle must be immense. Whenever you come across a task like the one you are currently working on just think of the dog's response to this question.

What did the dog say, when it got its tail cut off?
"It won't be long now."

I know it's a corny joke but you can't help but smile at it. So, lesson learned, "Knowing that mundane activities will eventually come to an end".

Ray
 
Lol I am a forward mover so I just let it roll off me. I want to di a good job on this build but it's hard when parts a wrong and I don't have freedom to do things better that will make the build better in the end. So I'll do a good job at just throwing it together even though I hate it with a passion
 
The assembly box of the main section of the Costitution is from Mamoli, but is marketed in the Czech Republic.
The Mamoli plant, a few years ago, is burned.
From the photos I saw, there are several differences in the first pieces,
and also explanations of the instructions (my assembly box, purchased in the Czech Republic)
they are not consistent with job development.
Greetings
 
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