This new build is of the Model Shipways USS Constitution Cross Section (MS2045) at 1:76 (Actually the scale is 1:76.8 or 5/32" = 1'). The finished model is 4"x6"x32". I chose this kit for several reasons: 1) It is a nice kit and I like cross sections; 2) The Constitution cross section is a preliminary to my next build; and 3) I was able to purchase the kit from Model Expo for a very good price during one of their sales.
I was not able to find another example of this kit on SOS so I will present the kit contents in this post. The box is the typical Model Shipways blue box, but significantly shorter than most of their kits. The detailed instruction booklets are quite good with 2 booklets of 96 pages total. Relatively clear instructions with lots of pictures.
The wood is typical MS quality which is good. There is a bag of pieces of square, rectangular, and round stock.
The laser cut wood is of various thickness and the cutting is good for the most part. The parts can easily be cut out and there are a minimal number of hold points to cut.
The metal parts are mainly Britannia metal with some brass strips of the typical MS quality which I rate as acceptable, but not the best quality. There are significant amounts of mold flashing to remove from some of the pieces and they are covered with a dull substance which needs to be removed before painting. The rigging thread is MS' nylon and will not be used. I am accumulating a lot of MS rigging line in a box.
The 2 sheets of plans are large and easy to read. There are also 3 sheets of plans that show the individual parts and their locations on the laser cut pieces.
I have already been working on this kit since I finished my last build (Bluenose by MS). As seems typical for me, I get going on a new build taking pictures as I go along, but don't get around to starting a log until I am well into the build. I will be catching up over the next month or so. I am using one particular build log on MSW (USS Constitution cross section by TomCulb - FINISHED - Model Shipways - 1:76.8) as a reference and to see where the problems lie with this kit.
One thing that I have noticed is that having a downloaded version of the instruction manual on a tablet or computer has been very helpful. The printed manual's pictures are small, a bit dark and not very high resolution. On a tablet they are brighter and of higher resolution so you can zoom in to look at details you cannot see in the printed version.
Edit 30Jan2024
Note to future builders of this kit: MS supplies 10 sets of upper and lower chainplates with the kit. The rigging plans and pictures clearly show that there are 5 deadeyes per side so 10 seems correct. However, there is also a eyebolt required on the channel. This eyebolt is connected to the hull using the same upper and lower chainplates. Model Expo is very good about making good on missing or damaged items in their kits, so I placed a (cost free) order for more chainplates. I suggest that you do this early in the build so that you have them when you reach this point in the build.
I was not able to find another example of this kit on SOS so I will present the kit contents in this post. The box is the typical Model Shipways blue box, but significantly shorter than most of their kits. The detailed instruction booklets are quite good with 2 booklets of 96 pages total. Relatively clear instructions with lots of pictures.
The wood is typical MS quality which is good. There is a bag of pieces of square, rectangular, and round stock.
The laser cut wood is of various thickness and the cutting is good for the most part. The parts can easily be cut out and there are a minimal number of hold points to cut.
The metal parts are mainly Britannia metal with some brass strips of the typical MS quality which I rate as acceptable, but not the best quality. There are significant amounts of mold flashing to remove from some of the pieces and they are covered with a dull substance which needs to be removed before painting. The rigging thread is MS' nylon and will not be used. I am accumulating a lot of MS rigging line in a box.
The 2 sheets of plans are large and easy to read. There are also 3 sheets of plans that show the individual parts and their locations on the laser cut pieces.
I have already been working on this kit since I finished my last build (Bluenose by MS). As seems typical for me, I get going on a new build taking pictures as I go along, but don't get around to starting a log until I am well into the build. I will be catching up over the next month or so. I am using one particular build log on MSW (USS Constitution cross section by TomCulb - FINISHED - Model Shipways - 1:76.8) as a reference and to see where the problems lie with this kit.
One thing that I have noticed is that having a downloaded version of the instruction manual on a tablet or computer has been very helpful. The printed manual's pictures are small, a bit dark and not very high resolution. On a tablet they are brighter and of higher resolution so you can zoom in to look at details you cannot see in the printed version.
Edit 30Jan2024
Note to future builders of this kit: MS supplies 10 sets of upper and lower chainplates with the kit. The rigging plans and pictures clearly show that there are 5 deadeyes per side so 10 seems correct. However, there is also a eyebolt required on the channel. This eyebolt is connected to the hull using the same upper and lower chainplates. Model Expo is very good about making good on missing or damaged items in their kits, so I placed a (cost free) order for more chainplates. I suggest that you do this early in the build so that you have them when you reach this point in the build.
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