USS Merrimack 1855 [COMPLETED BUILD]

[threebs]

I thought I had begun a build post on this ship on this website, but, a search comes up empty. So here it is. If admin finds that I did indeed begin a post on this ship, let me know. I have started cutting out the keel an bulkheads. Going to be a big ship in 1/72 scale about 70 inches from spanker end to flying jib end.

 

[Jimsky]

An interesting project, I will follow so taking a seat.

 

[Uwek]

The Merrimack was not started until now - so correct to start this one
Interesting project......

 

[Bryian]

I like unusual ship modelling projects like this.

 

[threebs]

Only the first and last bulkheads need to be cut and shaped for the USS Merrimack. I will be taking my time getting them aligned and glued in place, so it maybe awhile before I post on this ship again.

 

[WDO]

I'll be following your build.

 

[midshipman]

I like unusual ship modelling projects like this.

 

[Uwek]

will you add some filling blocks between the bulkheads?
To stiffen the structure, especially during the alignment sanding activities......

 

[threebs]

Yes I will. Working on them now, along with squaring the bulkheads to the keel piece. Thank you for your interest and suggestion. Doesn't hurt to double check in case the builder is new and unfamiliar with this process.

 

[threebs]

The hull for the Merrimack is mostly done. She is still rough in a few spots that need smoothing or otherwise finished off. She will be the biggest of the 11 ships I have done or am doing. 70 some inches in 1/72 scale when finished. The wale cap is next. The prop guard is removable at this time so future prop installation will be easier. Once the wale cap is on I will put in the gun deck, cut the gun ports out, and then copper her. Much more to be done of course but those are the next few steps.

 

[threebs]

Some progress on the Merrimack. I have been unable to find plans for the Quarter galleries so I am relying on photos of her sister ship Wabash to make them. They are pretty rough right now. Lots of work to do yet. The layout of the spar deck will come from models of the Wabash and Minnesota. The main gun deck gun carriages are truckless, no point in making or buying trucks no one see. The Spar deck cannon will be more detailed. I am not sure where I am going to get 1/72 scale 64 wt 8" shell gun barrels. I will have to reshape 32 pounders some how.

 

[threebs]

Merrimack's Quarter galleries are just about done roughing in. Only panel/window frames on the Starboard side left. I took a shot at the bow. Wabash had a nice decorative string on there. I am sure the Merrimack had something similar, so I will be carving soon.

 

[threebs]

Half the Merrimack's hull is done! Sheet count is about 2900.

 

[threebs]

Bow and stern work coming along

 

[threebs]

More progress on the Merrimack. That is 4962 5/8th inch long sheathing pieces on the hull! The waterline copper sheets need some realignment. And gore line guides need to be removed. I will wipe the copper with acetone several times over the course of the build so finger print oils do not show as the patina develops over time. The prop is only on for the photos. The cannon is hand carved and will serve as a mold for resin casting of the 66 I will need to "arm" the ship.

 

[threebs]

I had to remake all of the cannon carriages. A new type called a Marsilly carriage was starting to be used for shell guns. I could not find decent Dahlgren shell gun cannons so I carved this one and will use it as a base for resin casting the 66 I need. You can see where I started the slots for gammoning. However a photo of the beak head decoration of the Wabash show no rope gammoning. I remembered the Germantown had iron strap gammoning. and since I could not find plans or photos on how they were done on a steam frigate, I took an educated guess.

 

[threebs]

Merrimack is ready for her deck furniture. Capstans are next (she has two).

 

[threebs]

Update on the Merrimack. I had to change the main hatch configuration. I still have some hatches to make. I also had to add sky lights in front of and behind the Mizzen mast. Not quite done with the bigger one yet. The spar deck shell guns are done. Working on the recoil ropes and side tackles now. The dowel is just to give me an idea of how the flue will look.

 

[threebs]

I am making breach rope pins for the Merrimack. I installed one so you can see how they were used.

 

[Kurt Konrath]

I thought I had begun a build post on this ship on this website, but, a search comes up empty. So here it is. If admin finds that I did indeed begin a post on this ship, let me know. I have started cutting out the keel an bulkheads. Going to be a big ship in 1/72 scale about 70 inches from spanker end to flying jib end.

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Maybe a nice photo or drawing of the ship as you plan to build her so we can see the look and lines of this nice build you have taken on.