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JSGerson
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JSGerson got a reaction from Geoff Matson in USS Constitution by JSGerson - Model Shipways Kit No. MS2040
I did make a prototype recoil tackle to determine how much line I would need for that, approx. 3”. Looking at the miniature rope provided by the kit, the smallest diameter line provided were parts Nos. WP2589 (black) & WP2587 (tan) 3/0, 0.005” (0.13 mm) dia. two strand nylon. They did not look rope. They did look good for seizing line, so that is what I tried. My first attempt was a tad crude, but it won’t be noticed unless you have fantastic eyesight. I should improve as I make more.
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JSGerson got a reaction from ccoyle in USS Constitution by JSGerson - Model Shipways Kit No. MS2040
I did make a prototype recoil tackle to determine how much line I would need for that, approx. 3”. Looking at the miniature rope provided by the kit, the smallest diameter line provided were parts Nos. WP2589 (black) & WP2587 (tan) 3/0, 0.005” (0.13 mm) dia. two strand nylon. They did not look rope. They did look good for seizing line, so that is what I tried. My first attempt was a tad crude, but it won’t be noticed unless you have fantastic eyesight. I should improve as I make more.
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JSGerson got a reaction from ccoyle in USS Constitution by JSGerson - Model Shipways Kit No. MS2040
Spar Deck Long Guns
Finally, the last armament to be fabricated for the spar deck were the two 24 pounder long guns. These were made almost identical to the guns for the gun deck. I say “almost” because this time I used the laser cut carriage sides provided by the kit, If you may remember, I had to scratch make my own sides for the gun deck guns because for some reason, the gun ports were a bit too high relative to the gun deck planking and I had to compensate with a slightly taller gun carriage. Which by the way, was closer to the US Navy plans version.
I made all the other pieces as before and assembled them using the jig I used before. However, the jig had to be adjusted a bit because my scratch made sides were a bit different thickness than the laser cut ones. Also, this time, the blackening didn’t seem to stick as well as last time, so I will have to use some touch black paint where the shiny brass shows through. Still to be done. I will glue down the quoin when the guns are aligned properly and glued into their final positions. Till then, rigging the guns is next.
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JSGerson got a reaction from Stevenleehills in USS Constitution by JSGerson - Model Shipways Kit No. MS2040
I did make a prototype recoil tackle to determine how much line I would need for that, approx. 3”. Looking at the miniature rope provided by the kit, the smallest diameter line provided were parts Nos. WP2589 (black) & WP2587 (tan) 3/0, 0.005” (0.13 mm) dia. two strand nylon. They did not look rope. They did look good for seizing line, so that is what I tried. My first attempt was a tad crude, but it won’t be noticed unless you have fantastic eyesight. I should improve as I make more.
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JSGerson got a reaction from GGibson in USS Constitution by GGibson - Model Shipways - 1:76.8
The Constitution's transom has been the bane of many a builder, including Robert Hunt and myself among them. I really hope this works well for you. So far, so good.
Jon
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JSGerson got a reaction from GGibson in USS Constitution by g8rfan99 - BlueJacket Shipcrafters - 1/98
As I mentioned before, the Hull model does not show any stanchions, or rope handrails. I looked at all of the designated 1812 version and earlier, models that I had photos of (approx 25). I eliminated those models with closed hatches, those with no close-up views, and those models still incomplete in their fabrication, which left a total of 6 models to look at. About half of them had simple rope rails around the hatches and along the ladders. The stanchions were always dark (color or B&W images) but the rope was both light or dark in color. All of this doesn't mean anything because the level of detail provided was the builder's choice.
My personal assumption, which has no factual or historic basis, is that there was at least a rope barrier around the hatchways when they were open and probably on the ladders. If they existed, I would imagine that their specific design varied over time like everything else on the ship.
Jon
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JSGerson got a reaction from Scallywag in USS Constitution by g8rfan99 - BlueJacket Shipcrafters - 1/98
The Hull model does not show any railings. That does not mean there wasn't anything there. If memory serves me correctly, I believe the brass railings were installed when the Constitution was made into a training and receiving ship around 1882, but don't quote me on that. The earliest pictures I have are from the 1890s.
Jon
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JSGerson got a reaction from GGibson in USS Constitution by g8rfan99 - BlueJacket Shipcrafters - 1/98
The Hull model does not show any railings. That does not mean there wasn't anything there. If memory serves me correctly, I believe the brass railings were installed when the Constitution was made into a training and receiving ship around 1882, but don't quote me on that. The earliest pictures I have are from the 1890s.
Jon
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JSGerson got a reaction from Stevenleehills in USS Constitution by JSGerson - Model Shipways Kit No. MS2040
Thanks for the kudos guys!
I used to use Blacken-It with good results, but as far as I know it's not available anymore. So, I switched to JAX Black, Brass, Bronze, & Copper Blackener. Typically, I soak the metal item in some mild acid for a few minutes to remove any oils from the metal, rinse in water, and then soak in the blacken solution (1/2 water & 1/2 blackener) for about 5 - 10 minutes while keeping an eye on it. But for some reason, the black coating flaked off this time.
Jon
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JSGerson got a reaction from Nirvana in USS Constitution by JSGerson - Model Shipways Kit No. MS2040
Thanks for the kudos guys!
I used to use Blacken-It with good results, but as far as I know it's not available anymore. So, I switched to JAX Black, Brass, Bronze, & Copper Blackener. Typically, I soak the metal item in some mild acid for a few minutes to remove any oils from the metal, rinse in water, and then soak in the blacken solution (1/2 water & 1/2 blackener) for about 5 - 10 minutes while keeping an eye on it. But for some reason, the black coating flaked off this time.
Jon
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JSGerson got a reaction from usedtosail in USS Constitution by JSGerson - Model Shipways Kit No. MS2040
Spar Deck Long Guns
Finally, the last armament to be fabricated for the spar deck were the two 24 pounder long guns. These were made almost identical to the guns for the gun deck. I say “almost” because this time I used the laser cut carriage sides provided by the kit, If you may remember, I had to scratch make my own sides for the gun deck guns because for some reason, the gun ports were a bit too high relative to the gun deck planking and I had to compensate with a slightly taller gun carriage. Which by the way, was closer to the US Navy plans version.
I made all the other pieces as before and assembled them using the jig I used before. However, the jig had to be adjusted a bit because my scratch made sides were a bit different thickness than the laser cut ones. Also, this time, the blackening didn’t seem to stick as well as last time, so I will have to use some touch black paint where the shiny brass shows through. Still to be done. I will glue down the quoin when the guns are aligned properly and glued into their final positions. Till then, rigging the guns is next.
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JSGerson got a reaction from GGibson in USS Constitution by JSGerson - Model Shipways Kit No. MS2040
Thanks for the kudos guys!
I used to use Blacken-It with good results, but as far as I know it's not available anymore. So, I switched to JAX Black, Brass, Bronze, & Copper Blackener. Typically, I soak the metal item in some mild acid for a few minutes to remove any oils from the metal, rinse in water, and then soak in the blacken solution (1/2 water & 1/2 blackener) for about 5 - 10 minutes while keeping an eye on it. But for some reason, the black coating flaked off this time.
Jon
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JSGerson got a reaction from Geoff Matson in USS Constitution by JSGerson - Model Shipways Kit No. MS2040
Spar Deck Long Guns
Finally, the last armament to be fabricated for the spar deck were the two 24 pounder long guns. These were made almost identical to the guns for the gun deck. I say “almost” because this time I used the laser cut carriage sides provided by the kit, If you may remember, I had to scratch make my own sides for the gun deck guns because for some reason, the gun ports were a bit too high relative to the gun deck planking and I had to compensate with a slightly taller gun carriage. Which by the way, was closer to the US Navy plans version.
I made all the other pieces as before and assembled them using the jig I used before. However, the jig had to be adjusted a bit because my scratch made sides were a bit different thickness than the laser cut ones. Also, this time, the blackening didn’t seem to stick as well as last time, so I will have to use some touch black paint where the shiny brass shows through. Still to be done. I will glue down the quoin when the guns are aligned properly and glued into their final positions. Till then, rigging the guns is next.
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JSGerson got a reaction from Geoff Matson in USS Constitution by JSGerson - Model Shipways Kit No. MS2040
As it turned out, the 3-D misprinted/broken recoil rope eye bolts for are a moot point as I had to remove all of them anyways. They were very fragile, delicate, and broke when I tried to attach the required ring to them. The plastic is very stiff, inflexible, and will snap if any stress is applied to them.
Each of the 20 carronades required seven 1/32” eyebolts, one each for the two tackles per side, one for the recoil rope per side, and one on the rear of the gun slide. The recoil eyebolts have a ring passing through their eye through which the recoil ropes are threaded. These were replaced with trimmed eyebolts bent 90° with the attached ring.
All 20 carronades were dry positioned on the spar deck ready to be rigged. First, I need to fabricate the two long guns to complete the spar deck’s armament.
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JSGerson got a reaction from Stevenleehills in USS Constitution by JSGerson - Model Shipways Kit No. MS2040
Spar Deck Long Guns
Finally, the last armament to be fabricated for the spar deck were the two 24 pounder long guns. These were made almost identical to the guns for the gun deck. I say “almost” because this time I used the laser cut carriage sides provided by the kit, If you may remember, I had to scratch make my own sides for the gun deck guns because for some reason, the gun ports were a bit too high relative to the gun deck planking and I had to compensate with a slightly taller gun carriage. Which by the way, was closer to the US Navy plans version.
I made all the other pieces as before and assembled them using the jig I used before. However, the jig had to be adjusted a bit because my scratch made sides were a bit different thickness than the laser cut ones. Also, this time, the blackening didn’t seem to stick as well as last time, so I will have to use some touch black paint where the shiny brass shows through. Still to be done. I will glue down the quoin when the guns are aligned properly and glued into their final positions. Till then, rigging the guns is next.
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JSGerson got a reaction from Nirvana in USS Constitution by JSGerson - Model Shipways Kit No. MS2040
Spar Deck Long Guns
Finally, the last armament to be fabricated for the spar deck were the two 24 pounder long guns. These were made almost identical to the guns for the gun deck. I say “almost” because this time I used the laser cut carriage sides provided by the kit, If you may remember, I had to scratch make my own sides for the gun deck guns because for some reason, the gun ports were a bit too high relative to the gun deck planking and I had to compensate with a slightly taller gun carriage. Which by the way, was closer to the US Navy plans version.
I made all the other pieces as before and assembled them using the jig I used before. However, the jig had to be adjusted a bit because my scratch made sides were a bit different thickness than the laser cut ones. Also, this time, the blackening didn’t seem to stick as well as last time, so I will have to use some touch black paint where the shiny brass shows through. Still to be done. I will glue down the quoin when the guns are aligned properly and glued into their final positions. Till then, rigging the guns is next.
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JSGerson got a reaction from Stevenleehills in USS Constitution by mtbediz - 1:76
Actually, the 1927 plans I sent you earlier, shows seven braces in the main top. Why it was removed as shown in recent photo is a mystery to me. If you won't tell anybody that it changed, I won't either😁
Jon
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JSGerson got a reaction from mgatrost in USS Constitution by mtbediz - 1:76
They look beautiful!....However, I noticed a discrepancy between yours and the the actual tops. Two of your tops (Fore & Mizzen) match the real ones. However, the main top does not have the radial brace in front of the oval hole. Below are two images. The single top image is the foremast top. The other image shows the main and mizzen tops. You can see clearly, the main top only has six radial braces not seven. I hope that doesn't mess you up too much.
Jon
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JSGerson got a reaction from mtbediz in USS Constitution by mtbediz - 1:76
Actually, the 1927 plans I sent you earlier, shows seven braces in the main top. Why it was removed as shown in recent photo is a mystery to me. If you won't tell anybody that it changed, I won't either😁
Jon
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JSGerson got a reaction from mtbediz in USS Constitution by mtbediz - 1:76
They look beautiful!....However, I noticed a discrepancy between yours and the the actual tops. Two of your tops (Fore & Mizzen) match the real ones. However, the main top does not have the radial brace in front of the oval hole. Below are two images. The single top image is the foremast top. The other image shows the main and mizzen tops. You can see clearly, the main top only has six radial braces not seven. I hope that doesn't mess you up too much.
Jon
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JSGerson got a reaction from Stevenleehills in USS Constitution by Der Alte Rentner - Model Shipways - 1/76
For the most part, the chainplates are aligned and angled as determined by their attached stays. This means they are not necessarily perpendicular to the chanels. Each angled chainplate has a slightly different angle from its neighbor. IMHO, "fudging" the slots to allow angling of the deadeyes should not be noticeable provided any slot widening is done on the bottom side of the channel where it can't be seen. Unless you are trying to be super realistic, which you are not, the slight inconsistencies created by the model maker with the real world are acceptable in a model.
Jon
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JSGerson got a reaction from Der Alte Rentner in USS Constitution by Der Alte Rentner - Model Shipways - 1/76
They look great. Don't forget to to make sure that all of the channel deadeye holes are properly orientated, That is, the single hole is always closest to the stem.
Jon
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JSGerson got a reaction from Geoff Matson in USS Constitution by Der Alte Rentner - Model Shipways - 1/76
From what I surmised from the images Ken provided, he did not attached the deadeyes to the chain plates. He twisted the wires stropping the deadeyes creating a tail which was then inserted into the channel. The chain plates were laid on top of the tails and extended to the hull. The "joint" was eventually covered over by the channel cap hiding the false connection. A little bit of modeler's sleight of hand.
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JSGerson got a reaction from Stevenleehills in USS Constitution by Der Alte Rentner - Model Shipways - 1/76
A single wire around the the deadeye should work perfectly fine. No one will aware what is stropping the deadeye or notice, much less know, that it is not a double wire like the real ship. There will be a whole more interesting things to look at on the model when you are done. You are making a model, not a miniature replica. You've got s good design for your deadeye to strap connection. They will be very pretty when done.
Jon
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JSGerson got a reaction from Herbert Heger in USS Constitution by JSGerson - Model Shipways Kit No. MS2040
Final Touches
I chose not to attach the rudder assembly to the boats due to their very delicate structure. In actuary, the rudders are not stored inside boat when not used. All the oars, masts, and any other accoutrements will be made at the time the boats are to be installed.
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