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
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
