Jaxboat

Excellent build of this venerable plastic model. I hate to say this but my first build of a Revell model of Constitution predates the intro of this version by at least a decade! I seem to remember the introduction of the 1/96 version was really big dealand she became the flagship of the Revell line. The vacuum formed sails never looked good but the ratlines were at least passable. Some versions of the model even came with prepainted copper plates. I recently purchased a heavily discounted 1/96 and hope to build it in conjuction with my ME version. Thanks for sharing your build and bringing me back with nostalgia

Jax

I think Caldercrafts orginal idea was to make an authentic 18th century paint. I read some original info on their enamels that warned that since they were authetic they might contain some toxic pigments used in that era  . Their current water bourne line is definitely "green"  . Iron oxides were  the pigments of choice for paints of that era. Colors are created by heating rust with varying degrees of oxygen.

I have tried Admiralty's WB acrylics and found them to be very good. I had a chance "AHA" moment recently when I used an electric piant shaker designed for model paints on the Admiralty red ochre. The colors were much better then when I just using a battery powdered stirrer. As for viscosity, acrylics can "body up" when they are left standing too long. Before using them, subject them to shearing via the stirrer or shaker. Only then decide if you want to add diluent. Use distilled water as diluent or whatever Admiralty recommends for thinning.  Never use tap water unless your tap is connected to an RO unit.

Another consideration is how you are applying the coating. An ideal brushing viscosity often is not ok for spraying. Ideal viscometrics are also determined by the porosity of the substrate. Bottom line test the paint and your application device on a scrap or non-critical area before going "totus porcus" on your entire model.

Hope this helps

Jax

Glad to see you are not "cowed" by your work   Your work is extraordinary. I visited a museum with scrimshaw and cowbone based ship models years ago. Many were built by French prisoners during the Napoleonic wars. They were amazing but your work surpasses them entirely.  The marquetry is particularly exquisite

Best

Jaxboat

Excellent info. Great step by step. Byrnes Machines are industrial works of art.

MikeEllis

Looks like the operation was a success and the patient is on the mend. Welldone, Bob

I think the Bellona is about a year from commercial launch. He was alos working ona Racebuilt galleon "Revenge" which was really beautiful