Coyote_6

13 hours ago, Pastor Wes said:

I brought it home and cut two bulwark pieces. 
It’s not finished, but it looks doable. 

Very nice!

On 6/29/2025 at 4:03 PM, Pastor Wes said:

The port side I would live with, starboard warped in a weird bulge. 

I am probably too late to the party, but if the bulkheads are planked inboard and outboard you can compensate somewhat for the deformed plywood with the planking.  My experience is that the planks can be sanded down to smooth the bulge.  (Especially true in the bow where you can use longer planks over the plywood.)  The plywood can also be thinned (or even partially removed where it sticks out a bit much.

That said, she's looking good.  The first one is always a challenge.  Keep up the great work.

Examples:

Rough structure issues with my plywood bulkhead core starboard side.

Missing gunport "frames" in the plywood form, port side.

The Admiral is always right, and in this case very nice improvement!  That is a beautiful transom (correct term?)!

Yeah Chris.  Much improved 3d effect.  I find with plastic models that a wash after picking the highs and lows can blend and soften in a way that is pleasing to the eye. Too bad you don't have extra pieces to play with though.

Good to see her again Chris!  

(Obviously the wood and "glass" aspects look wonderful!)

The only comment I can offer is that if the pellet is lead it may not be the best choice for a long lasting solution?  I think lead is subject to oxidation/disintegration over long periods of time.

https://www.navsea.navy.mil/Home/Warfare-Centers/NSWC-Carderock/Resources/Curator-of-Navy-Ship-Models/Lead-Corrosion-in-Exhibition-Ship-Models/

(Hat tip to user Bob Cleek who cited the above in the following MSW thread:

)

Scary stuff drilling holes in fine bulkheads.  Well done!

Beautiful work and what an awesome and unique gift!  Fun watching it come together!

Copper looks very nice sir.

Very nice work!

For what it's worth, #1 is good but #2 just ROCKS!!

#2 for me sir.

Phil -  it goes without saying but your Albatros is simply stunning.  Well well done!

When you look at her, make sure you realize how many people you have helped in this hobby with your research, advice and kindness.

I would say I will miss the Albatros but I can absolutely guarantee I will revisit these posts for technical insight and motivation for many many years to come!

Thanks for bringing us aboard Phil.

Phenomenal!!

3 hours ago, Glen McGuire said:

I just noticed you have the historic and unique 15-star flag as your profile pic.  Is that a closeup of a Constitution flag?

That is a crop of a picture of the replica U.S. Brig Niagara in Cleveland, 2010, from an article in The Plain Dealer.  (Photo credit John Kuntz?)

It is pretty low res! 😭

https://www.cleveland.com/metro/2010/06/cleveland_students_help_bring.html

The 1812 era is probably my favorite for tall ships.  Currently I am working the 1812 privateer Prince de Neufchatel.  Next up will likely be Constructo's Enterprise (1799), and finally in my stash is the Model Shipways 1:76 Constitution.  

I am a little daunted by Constitution, especially after following your efforts here!  The complexity is astounding.  Hopefully completing the Prince and Enterprise will prepare me for what's ahead!!

But I mean, c'mon.  Your ship's bell??  That would take me 6 months and still not look as nice.  

Beautiful work Glen!

Glen - I just watched the video.  Paraphrasing Tom Hanks - "There's no crying in model shipbuilding!!"

Just beautiful.  Constitution is magnificent and you guys have represented her just so well.   

It would take a ship in the bottle guy to finish her up with all those tight spaces.  Take a bow sir, and thanks for letting us follow along!

Well worth the effort Phil!  Very nice work and a very unique feature.  Nice.

Wow Mark.  Those are your rough cuts??  Look pretty clean and precise to me brother.   Nice.

I was thinking some type of faux jade or something but a little research didn't yield much in that arena.  😢

That is soooo cool! 😎

Those look good Phil.  She'll be looking proper with those guns fitted!

1 hour ago, SaltyScot said:

The CEO's father was a navy man and these shelves have US Navy stamped on them. Fitting that they should end up in a shipyard ⛴️

Mark!  That is so darn cool.  Loss for words, but man, if the Navy ain't about tradition and history, then, well.... 

Well played sir.  Well played!

Welcome aboard.  What a cool gift idea!  She looks great so far.

Happy days!   Congrats.   A thoughtful partner is one of life's great treasures brother!!

That turned out awesome!   I love how you spread around your fine work - gifts, restorations.  What an awesome thing to share.