DougA

I actually used wood. I used the smallest wooden hobby sticks I could find, snipped the rounded ends off and glued them to the plastic decks. I used a really small drill bit and hand drilled the nail holes (not all the way thru the plastic) - Sanded the heck out of them once all were laid and rubbed on a Minwax stain, very lightly. I realize I've raised the deck by a little over 5 inches in scale but I will deal with that later....I like how they look. To reach a port we must set sail - Sail, not tie at anchor - Sail, not drift. - Franklin D Roosevelt Until later, Capt. Doug

Crew, I've taken my time and am now ready to post a few pics. I have completed the decks and will disclose my process if anyone is interested. If no one speaks up I'll understand that no one likes the look I achieved. I am pleased with it. It's a distressed look that may or may not be accurate but I could see decks looking like this at some point. Let me know your thoughts. Until the ocean stills, Capt. Doug

It's been a few days - I'm not ready to post pics of the decks yet....I'm trying something a little unconventional. I have high hopes and I like the effect so far. Very time consuming....The main part of the hull is painted. I need to tape off and do some of the upper hull work. I'm pretty pleased...I promise pics soon, just taking my time and have a blast! "The sea was angry today my friend..." - George Costanza Until later, Capt. Doug

That was a well done video. I enjoyed it. I worked on decks last night. I will post some picture later today. I'm pleased with the results. I was able to create a planking effect on the plastic using some tips I saw on a few videos. The "wood" is lighter than most I have seen for the Connie but I like the look of the way the planks fit and are not uniform. Again, Historic Buffs will probably scoff, but it is the look I was hoping to create. I have been painting the copper plating of the hull for 2 days now. I'm almost there. Trying to create a "old penny" appearance rather that a bright, shiny "new penny" look. I have a few more details to achieve and I will post pics of that as well. I bought some material for the sails, I would like to start experimenting with that project soon. I have some ideas I want to try. Onward and upward, Capt. Doug

I wanted to begin the pictures of this project with a few from "arrival day" - more for my benefit than anyone else. Please indulge me. When This build is complete I should have a pretty good beginning to end history....

Troops, I made some small steps today. I need some supplies and Hobby Lobby is closed today so I did some little things. I taped off and prepped the hull and laid down a primer on the lower section that will be copper colored. I also primed the canons. I'm torn between the basic black canon most modelers do and maybe doing something a little more interesting. I am not married to the entire historic accuracy of this build. I want to be accurate in most things but would like to take some artistic liberties in some areas. Don't get me wrong, I'm not going to install the Dish Network on the spar deck but I hope no one is offended if i add a bit of splash to the canons...When I have one done to my satisfaction I will post a pic and you guys can tell me what you think. I would like your thoughts on the decks. I would like it as realistic as possible. I found some nice scale laser cut wood decks online for 85$ - not sure I can justify spending that. I have seen discussion on "weathering" the Out-of-the-Box decks but I don't know if I could do a good enough job. Does anyone have a technique they prefer? Again, Thanks in advance. DougA

Wow, you guys are amazing - so much information already! Last night I did some prep work and glued the two halves of the hull - puttied a little bit and will sand it in a few hours. I hope to lay down a primer on the hull today as well. I hope to upgrade the rigging and everything associated with it. I would like to recreate sails using actual material, can material be glued over the plastic sails that come with the ship and then weathered with some diluted paint? What is your best ideas on making realistic sails. I really want it to be rigged with the sails in place - thanks in advance.

Thanks Robert! The kit JUST arrived. Inspecting the contents now. Going to spend the rest of the day and evening reading the booklet and planning my attack.

Hello, I built plastic scale models during my youth. Mostly WWII aircraft and ship. I built them mostly to play with, not to display. I grew up in the late 60's and 70's and WWII fascinated my friends and me. I eventually grew out of the hobby and proceeded with life. Now in my mid fifties I fondly remember the fun I had with the kits. I'm able now to relax a bit and re-enter the hobby now with the means to do it right. I built the Connie when I was 12 or 13 and did what I thought at the time was a decent job however now I realize it was pretty sad. That original model has long been scuttled and I intend to rebuild it and do a much better job. I hope to journal the process here on this forum and receive tips and advice on how to best do things and to ask questions. There will be questions! Thanks for the opportunity to do this and thanks in advance for all your expert advice. I have been visiting this site for a week or so and I'm impressed with its content. The kit should arrive today. I have readied a suitable work area and have bought what I hope is enough tools and equipment to begin. I have promised myself that I will take my time and do things well. My wife is very supportive which does help! So Here I go... I will update this thread as a progress. Please do not hesitate to add constructive criticism anytime it is necessary, I am always receptive to people better at something than me. With all of this said, and sorry for the rambling....Let's begin this journey... Thanks DougA