USS Constitution

[wayne mcmullin]

Looking to start a USS Constitution but want open side view and detail lower decks similar to
Artesinia HMS Victory. Any suggestions for a kit that would lend itself to that or a better idea

 

[Corsair]

My guess (and its totally a guess) is that you will have to scratch build it. And, if you want the internals to be visible through the frames, you will need to leave out about 2/3 of the frames because the frames on the real ship are so close together that they would look like a wall with the planking removed.
Maybe someone knows of a good kit that will give you want you want.

 

[CLB]

Thats a scratch build for sure. You need to find a good set of plans - possibly the Smithsonian or check with the USS Constitution museum

 

[g8rfan99]

Hi Wayne
There was a builder on the MSW website who cut out one entire side from around section 25 to section E. He was doing a beautiful job and is currently on the gun deck. Unfortunately, I have not seen him here (yet?). I agree with CLB, you will need some good plans. On the MSW website, @JSGerson was everyone's go to guy for photos and plans. He has an immense library and is always happy to help. He may even have a copy of Kurt's build log. He is on this website with his own build log ongoing.

Good luck

 

[ERSRich]

The answer depends on how much time are you willing to spend on the project? That’s years.

The Model Shipways kit probably offers the best hull for customization. And the rough wood, which you would either need to manufacture or source. The fitting set isn’t bad.

Good luck with it!

 

[Der Alte Rentner]

Thats a scratch build for sure. You need to find a good set of plans - possibly the Smithsonian or check with the USS Constitution museum

Having followed a number of Model Shipways kit bashed build logs, I can attest to the fact that what you intend is very likely a scratch build. You might want to have a look at mtbdz1's build log. It probably comes close what you're attempting to do. Good plans are certainly a benefit, and the plans that come with the MS kit aren't too bad. However, you will need to supplement from a number of sources to be successful - not the least of which would be other builder's logs. Before you invest too much time, energy and expense, peruse as many kit bashed versions of Conny as you can find.

On the MSW website, @JSGerson was everyone's go to guy for photos and plans. He has an immense library and is always happy to help.

Jon is active here as well. He's also kit bashing his Conny and keeping parts of the spar deck open to expose views of the detail on the gun deck (like Mustafa aka mtbediz1).