USS Constitution MS2040

[535i]

Ok, so here is a latest post about the Coney. I really appreciate the support and I am glad that I stepped away from it for a while. I am currently working on an INDY car model and almost finished with it. It seems that the INDY car might be finished the end of this year.

So, I decided to step back into the Coney. So, instead of just going back to the Hull, I decided to work on all the MAST and YARDS and then when that is done, I see that I can also do some pre rigging of all the yards and even pre rig the shrouds with the mast assemblies NOT installed into the Hull as per Robert Hunts practicum. Which to me, I never though about doing it that way.

So, look for another post starting fresh on January 1, 2026 - - - I hope that I do not cave in and decide otherwise, but that is my decision so far.

Blessings to all to your new year coming up !

Donnie

I am happy to hear that you're continuing on with this build. When I got your update, I went back and looked at the progress you've made. I seem to have missed a few instalments. But the quality of your work is astonishing, and you really should finish this project. Your work on the IndyCar and your NASCAR builds reflect your expertise and this may just have been the diversion you needed in order to take a deep breath while clearing your mind for the completion of the Constitution. I've found that sometimes when I let a project rest for a while, my subconscious mind continues to mull over ideas I wouldn't have had otherwise. This goes for a variety of endeavors. Good to see ya back at the shipyard!

 

[Thrasher]

Glad to have you back. Looking forward to your future progress

 

[kingkahn1950]

Welcome back to your Conney. I had to slow down too and think a lot about continuing when I got to the carronade rigging.- a very tedious and “tiny” job. Tried using Bluejacket’s metal blocks and it looked bad, so now I’m using Syren’s 3-D printed 3/32 blocks and their 3 mm hooks. Much nicer. One carronade down and 19 to go!

 

[11320 Titanic]

Donnie, how are you doing? Hoe all is well.

 

[11320 Titanic]

Welcome back to your Conney. I had to slow down too and think a lot about continuing when I got to the carronade rigging.- a very tedious and “tiny” job. Tried using Bluejacket’s metal blocks and it looked bad, so now I’m using Syren’s 3-D printed 3/32 blocks and their 3 mm hooks. View attachment 587788View attachment 587789Much nicer. One carronade down and 19 to go!

That is an excellent job, and good luck on the remaining 19...patience is a virtue, so they say. goes a long way!

 

[Bluebeard]

I’ve always said this is one of the toughest models you can build.

Just wait until you hit the rigging—that’s where the real “fun” begins.

Definitely not a model for the faint of heart… but hey, we like a challenge, right?

 

[Jack Sparrow]

I’ve always said this is one of the toughest models you can build.

Just wait until you hit the rigging—that’s where the real “fun” begins.

Definitely not a model for the faint of heart… but hey, we like a challenge, right?

It`s fun, though. The only thing that I would have liked is a figurehead on the bow.

 

[11320 Titanic]

I’ve always said this is one of the toughest models you can build.

Just wait until you hit the rigging—that’s where the real “fun” begins.

Definitely not a model for the faint of heart… but hey, we like a challenge, right?

I built Revell's Connie, rigging done, used HIS's decking over the plastic stuff, only to have the cats totally destroy it. The guns took a lot of patience bur the rigging was the most difficult. I'm doing Model Expos learning series of three boats right now, have another Connie in the wings with a completed hull, waiting till these wooden boats are done.
I also tried a paper /card model of the HMS Alert, that came out very well, with out tyhe mess od sanding wood,

 

[Jasennord]

agreed. I found this part of the build to be a bit of a nightmare. It was surprising to see how off some of those slots were. Also, if you don't use the reference lines, the bulkheads will not align properly with the bearding line.

I have a question. I am just starting my us constitution. I transferred the reference lines on the 3 parts of the keel, using the rubber cements to card stock trick. However the reference line on my stem piece is about 3/16 inch higher than the center. So they do not line up. Did you have this issue? Have you heard of this issue?

 

[Donnie]

Post #37 might answer

USS Constitution MS2040

Jack, Model Expo has some copper plates already done and are detailed. Not like the tape that comes with box. 6 x 12 mm https://modelexpo-online.com/6-x-12mm-Dimpled-Copper-Plate-50-pcs_p_812.html 7 x 18 https://modelexpo-online.com/7-x-18mm-Dimpled-Copper-Plate-50-pcs_p_811.html I was...

shipsofscale.com

Since I was following Bob Hunts practicum I do not remember having this problem. He does mention problems with the plans reference lines.
I have to go back to beginning of my log to see what the work around was.
And BTW, I am thinking seriously about abandoning this project. It just ( the kit) has too many problems to spend time solving rather than building. When it gets to the point of constantly solving problems it’s not enjoyable anymore.
Model Expo needs to seriously consider revising this model with more consistent bill of materials that match the material you actually have on hand. I went several visits to local hobby lobby to buy extra wood, extra dowels, just not worth it.
My full respect and admiration to anyone that has completed this kit. I am sure that most of the dislike comes from my own personal taste on the matter, so please do not let this become a discouragement that is building, wants to build this model. I just got burned out of dealing with it.
If anyone wants the ship (of what I have done so far) and box contents. Then you can have it. If you want to just pay for shipping + a near insignificant cash to boost (make offer) then it’s yours to have. I just need an address only to U.S.A. recipient.

 

[Jasennord]

I am starting the glue up.

NOTE: Please see post 43 and 44 before you start bulkhead glue ups.

NOTE: It is essential to establish your REFERENCE LINE on the KEEL and EACH Bulkhead. You should use these lines to MATCH the tick marks. DO NOT use the slots. If you use the slots (as in pushing your Bulkhead all the way that both are touching, i.e.) then you will have a discrepancy of each Bulkhead height !!!

When you use the Reference Lines to match the tick marks, you will notice that some NOTCHES in the KEEL and Bulkead either do not MEET or need to be filed down - either case - DO NOT use the slots - use the Reference Lines (taken from the plans).

The Reference Line is STRAIGHT on the KEEL and not curved. It is the Bulkheads (Reference lines) that will make the Bulkhead TOPS have a slight curve along the Profile View.

View attachment 481213


View attachment 481214
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Any suggestions if your reference line in the keel doesn’t not line up?

 

[Donnie]

If I remember the reference lines are transferred from the bulkhead templates drawings. It could be for some reason the drawings might have a slight offset. Are your drawings a copy of a copy from like a copying machine? That can reduce measurements some. Also, you should be able to take or transfer measurements from the profile (side) view of hull. It also shows the reference lines.