Der Alte Rentner
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Everything posted by Der Alte Rentner
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For me, this has been the single most difficult part of the build to date. I did experiment with the Proxxon mill, but am struggling with that as well. While, as Mustafa pointed out, I've been absent from the site for a while, I've been working the problem NON-STOP in my mind. Among other options, I've even considered trying a laser cutter or 3D printer to make the window frames. If I eventually tire of the effort, I may take a much simpler, less elegant, approach - maybe just paint lines on (or affix stickers to) the glass to fake the rails and styles of the frames. That's what HipExec's Constitution kit provided. As my extended summer draws to a close in the coming days, I'll return to the shipyard and get after it.. -
Thanks for asking. Yes, I'm fine - except for the analysis paralysis and head scratching related to those darned gallery windows. (It doesn't help that Jon pointed out that my windows are not all the same dimensions.) Last summer I spent a log of time in the shipyard, but this year, the weather and a summer full of social commitments have kept me otherwise occupied. I was reminded today that my son is coming home from college for 10 days and that my daughter will be visiting from Minnesota at the same time. So, I'll be sidelined a little longer. I see you're back from your summer vacation. Welcome back and kudos on your extraordinary build.
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As the summer draws to a close, I am slowly returning to the shipyard. I've achieved virtually nothing in the last couple of months apart from taking these two photographs. I'm still suffering from analysis paralysis regarding the matter of paint versus no paint. But in a couple of small experiments around staining the gallery components, I'm not entirely satisfied with the results. Furthermore I'm still struggling with the gallery windows. As mentioned in a post to Mustafa, I'm on my fourth iteration on the starboard side alone. Having seen a technique he employed to fabricate a commode for his Constitution, I might try that myself to see if I can construct complete window frames. If I succeed in that endeavor, I can hollow out the area behind and achieve a more traditional result. This is where I'm at today. I'm just not happy with the windows.
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Thank you Geoff. Among the many things I've been contemplating during my hiatus from the shipyard, taking over this project was at the bottom of the list. I haven't talked to my friend in a while, but I may yet acquire what he has, if for no other reason than to have a copy of the practicum. But I doubt I'm going to do anything with it.
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Very nice planking at the stern. I found that to be much more difficult than the area at the stem. It seems as if your experience was the opposite of mine?
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Man, you do good work! Keep it up..
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USS Constitution by mtbediz - 1:76
Der Alte Rentner replied to mtbediz's topic in - Build logs for subjects built 1751 - 1800
My summer is nearing its conclusion. But I've been suffering from analysis paralysis, and difficulties in constructing the windows for the galleries of my Constitution. I'm on my fourth iteration for the starboard side Gallery windows and I'm still not happy with the results. I've actually been thinking about using my proxxon Mill to try to fabricate the windows. If I can figure a way to angle the Vise at the right angle, your solution for this commode may solve at least the gallery window issue for me. Gluing the window frames onto the plexiglass, is clouding and messing up the glass itself. I'm just not happy with this. I will try Mustafa's technique to construct complete window frames. Then I could hollow out the space behind and get closer to the traditional look.
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Gregg, Not only does your Bluenose build impress, so does your build log. The attention to detail, the quality of the photographs, and the presentation are all exquisite. IMHO, yours is the gold star standard. Congrats on a gorgeous build and best of luck going forward, with or without sail.
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Glad it worked out for you Bob. Had a very nice Labor Day weekend, but the day after, ugh! Tooth extraction and bone graft. Six months minimum before I get the replacement implant. Oh well.. Your planking is looking good. Keep up the good work!
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After seeing this post to Gregg, I took a look at your Bluenose build. Sorry to see that it's been collecting dust for so long. Here's hoping you get back to the ship yard sooner rather than later. This may be a stupid question, but can't you finish it without sails, then change tack later if you feel you must add them?
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You see, you were the right person to ask, as usual - you are the man! Thanks.
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You are absolutely correct, it will be a bit more difficult to put the filler blocks in now with the wales are already there. However, I think you will thank yourself later for having gone through the trouble. Good luck. And happy planking.
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I look forward to seeing how the sails look when sheets, tacks and bowlines are added. Excellent workmanship on them, by the way. Kudos! As a data point, I submit this photo of HipExec's Constitution. He achieved a very nice look by somehow shaping his sails to look like they were catching a breeze.
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Jon, I went to the Mantua UK website and got a slightly higher resolution photo. To my taste, the copper plating detracts from the appearance. However, this color scheme seems doable with one or two stains, depending on how the spar deck planking looks with a clear finish. As usual, you deliver the goods. Thanks Peter
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One more picture gleaned via search of images at MSW site. from dkettl, who posted this in 2013, but hasn't been back since 2015. This is the Constellation, but it's another possibility. Looks nice with the furled sails.
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I think you will find that those lines will end up interfering with the planking effort. You might wish to consider making tick marks at those intersections. Use marker pen, so they don't disappear when you're sanding/fairing as you go. Also, note how flat the segment between bulkhead A and B is. Having JUST gotten through this stage myself, I suggest you consider some more filler blocks - at least between those two bulkheads. You're off to a very good start. I look forward with keen interest to follow your progress.
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I have emailed her twice to no avail and the website still shows this message: However, I just called and left a voice mail message for Donna, and hope to be pleasantly surprised. Thanks for the suggestion. Best Peter
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At least one at MSW, but it's a Constructo kit built by HipExec. Jon, has shared photos of another model that he has in his collection of Constitution materials as well. So, there are at least two. I'm pretty sure that I stumbled upon a natural finish version of the Constellation, but am having a hard time finding the photos. Here's the link to HipExec's entry for the photo above.
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My thoughts exactly, assuming I will indeed paint the model. I'm still stalling on making that decision, but I'm weakening in my resolve to try for a more "natural" finish. Thank you Mustafa.
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I agree 100%. Jon is the man!
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We'll see. Here's the first window. There is a piece of plexiglass behind the frame, and I'll probably paint the back side white. Also, frames will be trimmed flush with sills. Time consuming work this.. Aug 22 update: I'm just not happy with this. My brain keeps nagging at me about creating a vacant space behind the windows, which my brain insists would look even better if it were somehow illuminated. And Mustafa's point, in post 307 below, about keeping all the parts separate until painted (or stained) is a good one. The pilasters are glued to the filler block and the window frame is glued to the glass, making finishing work a bit of an issue. With the nice weather calling me outdoors, and family issues likewise intervening, I may ponder next steps a while longer. (Procrastination IS my middle name. 😉)
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I would give my eye teeth for either of the Byrnes tools. I wish someone would reorganize and relaunch the machine tool part of the business. I've been hunting for either of these online on and off for almost a year. Were I to scratch build, these two would be a must have. I'm surprised you don't have a belt sander. That has come in so handy, so often, that I can't imagine anyone managing to get by without one. Having said that, I reiterate my respect and admiration for those who manage this hobby with hand tools. (I wish I would have taken notes of the build log I just perused, but there are some really talented hand crafters posting on this site.)
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And the reason the laser cut window frames are virtually useless. Since I love difficult things (I am married after all), I can't wait for the next challenge!
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That's my working plan. Thanks for casting your vote!
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I was more or less on autopilot on Wednesday. The photo I forgot to include, is the one where I drew the window frame and pilaster patterns on the piece of paper, which I subsequently taped back on to the filler block to guide my work on the pilasters. They are a little proud of the sills right now, but I'll sand everything flush after I build the window frames. I'm thinking that perhaps I should not have glued the pilasters to the filler block. I guess I'm now committed to using paint or something else behind the window panes that will follow. Black paint, white paint, or mylar? for underneath whatever clear film I decide on for the panes themselves..
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