ERS Rich

Doweling the Stem, Sternpost, and Keel to Centerboard
 

Marked bearding line with templates made from plan. Cut rabbet with fishtail chisel and finished with wood file.  Elmers and clamps to attach Stem, Keel, and Sternpost.  
 

Dowel Stem, Keel, and Sternpost for strength.

Dowel setup: Foredom hand piece in Foredom drill press. Centerboard in shoulder vice.  1/16” bit.  1/16” dowels by Bluejacket.  Roll dowels under hardwood piece to compress fibers.  
 

Tap in dowels with mini hammer, using brass end.

Introduction 
 

This is the Model Shipways Kit No. 2040, 5/32” scale.

Kit purchased new about 2005.  Notably, after starting (15 years later!), noticed Plan Sheet 5 missing, contacted Model Shipways and they immediately sent a replacement at no charge.

Building out of the box - meaning using kit supplied plans and materials, and adding additional hardwood wood if necessary.

Update 7/18/20:  See this post (currently pending) for upgraded parts and sources.

This kit is not for the novice.  You should come to this game with at least 1 ship model under your belt, preferably several.   And you need an understanding of the nature of wood and how to shape it using chisels, files, and a hand plane.  These tools need not be expensive, however they must be sharp.  I recommend a 1/4” fish tale chisel from Lie-Nielson located in Maine.

Power tools are used, they save time, essential to me for this project as there are hundreds of cuts.  Not necessary though.

I’ve built many kits and expect this to be some old hat but also I’m stretching into new areas like building stern galleries.  So welcome aboard, I’m glad you are here.

USS Constitution References:

• my own photographs of the ship
• Anatomy of the Ship: USS Constitution
• College of Model Shipbuilding: USS Constitution Practicum

General References:

• David Antscherl’s: HMS Swan Class Sloops - for construction techniques 
• Mastini: Ship Modeling Simplified
• George F. Campbell, M.R.I.N.A.: The Neophyte Ship Modelers Jackstay (Inexpensive and Essential)

Table of Contents (incomplete, much more in the log)

Part 1: Hull

• Doweling the Stem, Sternpost, and Keel to Centerboard
• Bulkhead Marking and Glueup Prep
• Shaping the Counter Block
• Bulkhead Glueup
• Completing the Counterblock
• Transom Frame Prep
• Bow and Stern Block Prep
• Shaping the Bow Filler Block and Fairing the Bulkheads
• Shaping the Filler Blocks (continued)
• Shaping the Filler Blocks (continued), Starting Bow Framing
• Bow Framing (continued)
• Bow Framing Completion
• Transom Frame Installation
• Making and Installing the Waterway
• Tools
• Inner Planksheer/Bulwarks and Bowsprit Prep
• Framing and Cutting Out the Gunports
• Cutting Out the Gunports (continued)
• Gunport Cleanup and Bulwark Prep
• Bulwark Completion
• Leveling the Bulwarks
• Lower Gunport Upper Sills
• Lower Gunport Framing and Planking
• Smoothing the Planking
• Gunports and Upper Hull Planking Completion
• Mast Partners/Tenons and Deck Framing
• Coamings and Hatch Framing
• Planking the Wales - Planking Without Pins or Clamps
• Tapering a Plank
• Planking Starboard Wale
• Belt A Installation - Starboard Side
• Forming the Forward Planks
• Belt B Installation - Starboard Side
• Belt C Installation - Starboard Side
• Belt D Installation - Starboard Side
• Belt B - Port Side, Marking the Belt Width
• Dealing with Butt Joint Gaps
• Using Proportional Dividers
• Plank Glue Up
• Completion of Port Side Planking
• USS Constitution Pictures - June 2020

Part 2: Fitting Out

• Installing Eyebolts for Carronade Tackle
• Installing Large Inboard Bulkhead Cleats
• Installing Small Inboard Bulkhead Cleats
• Fitting the Cathead
• Painting the Bulkwarks
• Cleaning Up the Dust
• Finish and Installing Deck Grates
• Deck Plank Stock Preparation
• Planking the Deck - Part 1
• Planking the Deck - Part 2
• Planking the Deck - Part 3
• Planking the Deck - Part 4
• Evening Deck Finish Color