fletch944t

Cookster, I'd like to thank you for this build log. My own MS 2040 kit should be here the end of this week and thus far, your build log has been my go-to resource for things I'd like to do with my build. By the time I finish my build, I will no doubt be guilty of gross plagiarism for all of the ideas I'm getting from your build (both things you've done and things you wish you'd done). I also have no doubt that your Connie when completed is going to be one of the most phenomenal builds out there and one that's hard to match. Keep up the good work. Thanks again, Fletch

Thanks for all the replies. I'll have to remember to code thing for the next model purchase on Model Expo. Anyway, I've been wanting to pull the trigger on a small band saw for a long time. There are a lot of other projects I've done recently where I could have used it. However, I'd really like to have a scroll saw for modeling. Since I'm planning on getting back into woodworking in a big way over the next few years, I'll probably just go ahead with the scroll saw and get a larger band saw down the road. BTW, for those of you who have already purchased the MS 2040 kit, did it come with 20 Carronades? I ask because the information I'm finding regarding the armament in 1812 during the battle with the HMS Guerriere leads one to believe that she was carrying 24 - 32 lb. Carronades, 30 Cecil Iron Works 24 lb. long guns, and one 18 lb. chase gun (really one?). Thanks, Fletch

Well, I got on Model Expo and tried several different codes I had found (before I got usedtosail's post) and none of them worked. So, I ended up pulling the trigger somewhere else and paid right at $400 shipped. Should be here around Nov. 7th. I have accumulated a ton of tools over the years but, most of them are not suited to model ship building. So, I've been going through the tools I already own to see what I could use and went and purchase a few more tools (small files, small carving set, pliers, nips, extra hemostats, a few small clamps, hobby knife set, micro drill bits, tweezers). I know that many of you have a lot of power tools. So, just out of curiosity, for those of you who use power tools for modeling, how would you rank them in order of importance? Thanks, Fletch

Wow. Thanks everyone for all the responses. Each and every one has been extremely helpful. The amount of support here is truly overwhelming. As it turns out, I'm in a position financially (as of today) to go ahead and pull the trigger on a kit. Not that I'll start construction any time soon. I'm anticipating many months of research before I begin any work. However, I figure if I go ahead and purchase the kit now, it can at least help me begin to identify the necessary changes. And, I've already started a hand-written log of items that are attributes of the 1812 Era Connie. Of course, I'll transfer all of that to a construction log once I actually begin work. I guess the one thing I've already realized about this project is that there are some items of that era that we can say as fact but, many more items which are our "best guess" based on circumstantial evidence and in some cases speculation. Now, for those of you who are still awake (I'm sure that narrows the field dramatically), and those who have purchased an MS Constitution kit, from whom did you purchase your kit? Thanks a ton, Fletch

Well, where to begin. I'm not new to the hobby but, have been away from it for a while. But, I AM new to the forum. I've tried to do some research up front so that I don't ask too many questions that have already been asked but, invariably I probably will anyway. I've been a huge fan of the Constitution ever since I was young and read a library book detailing the history of the Constitution. I did a medium size wooden Constitution build many years ago but, after a number of long-distance moves it was eventually destroyed to the point that it was no longer repairable. After many years away, I've decided to embark on another Constitution build. In all likelihood, I'm going to purchase the Model Shipways kit. I've already downloaded and printed the instruction manual. However, I'd love to build the MS Constitution to 1812 Era specs. I know there are some folks on here who are in the process of doing that as we speak. I've already been reading through Cookster's build log. However, I'm having a little trouble locating others doing this build. Also, many years ago, I purchased the Bluejacket Constitution manuals and build sheets. I managed to dig them out of the closet the other day and knock all the dust off them. I've been going through them as well and it appears they're going to be a big help in identifying the differences and making the necessary modifications. And, I'll also be purchasing the Constitution plans CD from the Constitution Museum. Which finally brings me to a couple of questions. First, do any of you know others besides Cookster who are building the MS Constitution to 1812 Era specs? If so, would you please point me in their direction (assuming of course they're maintaining a build log). Second, do any of you know if anyone has taken the time to generate a single-source list of the differences between the MS kit and the 1812 Era Constitution? Third, are there any other resources you can recommend to help me identify areas where the MS Constitution needs to be modified to build it to 1812 Era specs? Finally, I'd just like to say that it's pretty amazing that folks here have taken the time to post their build logs. I could sit and read them all day. Matter of fact, today I did. I have no doubt that using the build logs that many of you have taken the time to post as a reference, it will make a challenging build go much smoother. And, I'd just like to thank you folks up front. Regards, Fletch