JDDouglass

Hi MSW, my next instalment to my build. I’ve been working on the gun ports I checked the plans and decided to make them 9.5mm to 10mm square. Made up a cannon to check what hight to cut the port,  i still feel they are oversized for the 1/85 scale. Anyway i did notice how close the got to the top of the already fitted planking. So decided to add the the upper plywood before cutting them. Found another laser cutting error on the bow section so added a strip of wood to match the other side. Maybe in danger of making the ship fit the cannons instead of the cannons fit the model. Found cutting the ports fun but think made a pretty good job of them as the cannon fits almost dead centre. As your see by the photos I’ve started the second layer of planking i now have a choice on how to finish the outside of the the ports. I can either have the linings set back slightly, flush with the planking or protruding slightly. Enjoy the latest photos next i’ll be continuing with the second layer down to the keel. Looking forward to getting that finished and getting onto the details. Until next time....

Hi guys, been busy since my last visit i got to complete the first layer of planking. Thanks for the planking link mtaylor it helped a lot. Really pleased it went so well and looks like I don’t need any filler before adding the second layer. Shame I couldn’t keep the planking as it is and not put on a second layer. Next on the list i will be doing the gun ports and drilling the holes for the masts. Think they it would be better to do them now rather then leaving them to late. I’ll also make up one of the cannons to get correct hight. Anyway enjoy my latest photos until next time.

My workshop in the spare room. Quick update on the model i’ve started the first layer of planking, i’m still developing my planking skills. The Stern of the ship is a bit of a challenge i find myself thinking ever plank. Using dropper planks to make the curves, i’d like to use this method all the way to the keel also adding stealers if need but not sure i can though. Shooting in the dark is the best way of saying it. I know the first layer isn’t as important but any tips would be greatly appreciated. 

35 minutes ago, mtaylor said:

I just noticed,  There's a gotcha'.  The cannons are darn near impossible to put on the gun deck after you put on the upper deck and walkways.  Hopefully, you can figure out how to work around that.   Maybe try putting the guns on before planking but that's tough also.  Can you remove the upper deck and walkways?

Yes I noticed that and have only tacked them down so i can remove them later. My plan is plank around 6 rows of planking then cut out the gun ports. Then make a jig so i can make linings for the ports to keep them the same size, i see no reference about size though in the instructions. Then maybe do the interior bulwarks still keep the upper deck and walkways loose. Also thinking about drilling the holes for the masts in the next few days. 

10 hours ago, Duanelaker said:

I've got one of these on the shelf, I will be watching!

 

 

I better build a good ship then 😁

Hello Guys and thanks, still unsure how this works but must be doing something right. I’ve moved the build along a bit following my first post. I find the instructions needing more information but I normally don’t follow instructions anyway. The picture book is useful though. Gave some thought about what stain to put on the deck found it hard to get on deck photos as a reference for the 1798 version. But found some upper deck photos which look like oak so that’s what I’ve gone with. I also like to run a black permanent marker down one side of the deck, I personally think it makes the planks stand out. I glued everything in place rids nice and square glued the lower deck used plenty of glue which turned out to be a mistake. First thing I noticed once i got to checking the ribs either side where the walkways go. They didn’t seem to line up, rib 11 was higher then the rest yet the lower deck is flush sitting on top with all the ribs it touches. Thankful i have a way of fixing it just added some wood to the out side a trimmed the top. I’m up to the planking stage I’ve just finished fairing the frame and now thinking about packing the ends with balsa wood to help with this stage. That’s something i have to order first. Your probably notice by the photos i’m not following instructions but I guess everyone dose the same. Anyway enjoy these latest photos i’ll also add a couple of photos on the end of previous builds. 

Hi Everyone, i’m still very new to this site and am a little confused on how to get started with a build log i’d like to share. This  isn’t my first build, i’ve made a few in my time this would be my 5th wooden ship kit. I’m still a novice at building them but the more i do the better they get. This is the first time i’ve started a log on any site so not sure what to expect. I’m hoping to pick up a few tip on improving many aspects of my work. To my latest build the USS Constellation by Artesania Latina. I’ve spent the the last few week researching this ship, i did find that the ship herself has changed over the years from her original 1798 form. Don’t think i’ll do much in the way of kit bashing but keep her to the ship George Washington commissioned. I have noticed a few things i’d like to change though for starts the guns look way over sized for its 1/84 scale. I did order some 30mm brass gun barrels from Poland but got a message today saying that all internal post was suspended to at least the end of March because of the Coronavirus. I’m also looking to do something about the gallery windows which are cast metal and basically just painted black and stuck in the stern of the ship, not very realistic. Anyway i’m looking forward to any replies i may get and look forward to hearing from other members and hopefully we can all enjoy this build. Until next time....