Thanks for the comments, Tony. The cross section was a fun build. I am looking forward to building the full ship and I am certain it will offer challenges that I have yet to foresee.
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USS Constitution Cross Section - Model Shipways MS20245 - 1:76 - by JeffT [COMPLETED BUILD]
Fantastic looking model. Which of the two cross sections you have built do you recommend the most?
I would say it depends on your perceived skill level. The Constitution is significantly more difficult to build. It also takes more vertical space to display if that makes any difference to you.
- Joined
- Jan 3, 2025
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- 12
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- 13
Questions-
1. Why are the Orlop Sidewall Diagonals installed after the deck is on?
2. The Orlop Deck Stanchions seem to appear like magic. There does not seem to be an instruction about them, in print or in these threads.
3. Where is the proper place to criticize the boxed instructions? Should I go back to Expo? I used to write instructions, and these are very frustrating at times. I would have thought that Foran would have touched them up, or am I totally in the dark on the entire process?
BTW, this is a great build, and rather touchier than I anticipated. Good Job, Jeff. -John
Thanks for the compliment on my build.
1. I don't have a good answer for you on the installation order. I may be related to getting the diagonals located in the right place relative to the berthing deck level.
2. You are right that the orlop deck stanchions are not discussed in the instructions. Detailed instructions are written for the berthing deck stanchions and the orlog deck stanchions are shown in pictures in the instruction and on Plan 2.
3. My thoughts on the kit instructions: The set is the best I have seen in a Model Shipways kit as well as the best in any kit that I have built to date. Are they perfect? Not at all. I am currently on my 4th MS kit and it is obvious that this kit has the best instructions. Compared to the instructions with the Bluenose or the USS Constitution they are amazingly clear with detailed color pictures. OcCre instructions are good as well. The other 3 kits I have built had horrible instructions. Addendums to MS instruction are sometimes available from Model Expo's website. That being said, MS is not very good about correcting their kits after initial designs. As an example, the whaleboat (MS-2033) is building horse cut wrong and has been an issue as long as the kit has been available.
As a general comment on wooden ship kit instructions: These are complex builds and the industry seems to have taken the stance that builders will complete the kits the way they want to and not necessarily follow step by step instructions. That's where resources like SOS really stand out as resources for help and to possibly make some online friends as well.
Good luck with your Conny cross-section.
- Joined
- Jan 3, 2025
- Messages
- 12
- Points
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10596
Thank you for that answer. That clears up a lot. Having done 1/1 ships, and heavy machinery for 40 years, I guess my perspective was out of alignment and needed some reality checking. OK. Expectations have been adjusted. Thank you. Carry on, shipmate.
Jeff-
Thank you for that answer. That clears up a lot. Having done 1/1 ships, and heavy machinery for 40 years, I guess my perspective was out of alignment and needed some reality checking. OK. Expectations have been adjusted. Thank you. Carry on, shipmate.
Jeff T, thankyou for posting your build. I came to it using the SOS search for Constitution completed builds, as I needed to make a decision about spar footropes. Your excellent photos have resolved my query. (Black or natural color). I am well into the rigging of an old Mamoli 1:93 Constitution kit, my first wooden kit build. It might be the last after those 2000 knots for the ratlines! (just kidding. I have already ordered my next build.... the Khufu great pyramid ship. No rigging on that one.)
My hesitation in using black footropes related to the effect that the tarred ropes would have had on the sailors bare feet. Or did they wear shoes?
My hesitation in using black footropes related to the effect that the tarred ropes would have had on the sailors bare feet. Or did they wear shoes?