HIPEXEC

As I was cutting the small uncut portions of the laser cut sheets,  I noticed the false keel has a slight warp to it and one of the bulkhead sheets has a large bow. I dampened both of the culprits and will attempt to flatten them by laying them flat with flat weights on each of them. I'll let you know if this works. I didn't do this with my first build, The Virginia Pilot Boat, and I had to finish it with a slightly crooked frame.

Hipexec

I started by numbering all the frames before cutting them out so they don't get mixed up. I also numbered where each is to go on the false keel.

Hipexec

Thanks for all your words of support. I shall begin today! Here's a pic of my work space.

Hipexec

Thanks, Jeff. I'll post each step of the way.

Rich

Well, my Constructo USS Constitution kit arrived right on time as Phil's Hobby Shop advertised. Phil's Hobby Shop uses E-Bay to sell, as well as their own website. I purchased this kit at a very large discount compared to my local hobby shop. Phil's did exactly as advertised. I can recommend them highly. You never knnow when buying online.

I put on my Quartermaster's hat and did a quick inventory and was pleasantly surprised at the quality of the instructions and five sets of 1:1 prints. The instruction book is in five colors and seems to be very detailed. Everything looks in order to begin this project. I can't wait.

Hipexec

"How do you eat an elephant?"

"Start chewing on the toe!"

Here's my tools now at the beginning of my next build, the USS Constitution by Constructo.

Hipexec

"How do you eat an elephant?"

"Start chewing on the toe!"

My new model of a Constructo USS Constitution hasn't been shipped yet. I'm setting up my workplace to recieve it. Here's a photo of the tools I used when I first tackled my Virginia Pilot Boat 1805. It was my first attempt at a bulkhead and plank model. Obviously the array of tools expanded over the three months it took for me to build her. Tomorrow I'll post a photo of my current batch of tools. I can only imagine what my workbench will look like when I finish the USS Constitution!

Hipexec

"How do you eat an elephant?"

"You start chewing on the toe!"

My Constructo USS Constitution wooden ship kit is in the mail. This will be my very ambitious second build. My first build was a Virginia Pilot Boat 1805 ( see Gallery post) that I found very challenging never having done any thing like that in my life. As hard as it was...I loved the challenge. It was like playing chess...I had to stay three moves ahead so as not to get trapped. As good as the plans were, they were far from perfect, so I spent a lot of time looking at pictures and finally on sites like Model Ship World.

I'll keep you all posted as I make progress.

Hipexec

Nice job! I love your creativity by mounting it on a rock base. Also, you filled the sails and put her on a port tack listing hard to starboard. Nice touch. Take a look at my build (Virginia Pilot Boat 1805 by Hipexec)

Beautiful planking job! To back up a little, what was your secret in cutting the gun ports so nice and square. What kind of saw or knife did you use?

Great work,

hipexec   hipexec@yahoo.com

I just finished building a Artesania Virginia Pilot Boat 1805. It was my first build and I made a lot of mistales but finished. See my photos. Planking gave me the most  trouble, so if you want to talk about it, let me know. Also, I might have spare parts for you since I bought two because of mistakes on number one.

Good luck,

Hipexec