mtaylor

Thanks guys. This was a relatively easy model compared to what you are building. And I think, it was good for my mental state. Oh... I did leave the rear ramp cover raised even though the ramp is up also. That's the way I remember them.....

Ah.. I was on it way back then also (around '75 or so) which is why I decided to build her. They had everyone convinced it was the frigate. I didn't find out that it wasn't until I started building the AL kit. I very quickly started modifying her to be the 1854 version. May not be a frigate but she's still a beautiful ship.

Beautiful Alan. I'd say add the rigging and/or weather it if that's what you want to do.

And...... she's done and on the shelf. Pics below. My only comment is that there really should be a better way to glass than thick plastic. <sigh> And one last tale from Vietnam. We had made a delivery of assorted goods (c-rats, ammo) to platoon in the field. On the way back to base, we're lumbering along at about 500 feet and maybe 100 knots speed. Kind of relaxing. The left door gunner, who was the 1st mech for chopper (I was at the right) suddenly yells.. "taking fire request permission to returnn....". That's all he got out when the pilot broke in with "Hell yes." and started banking to the left to help the gunner out. As we started the bank and he started working the .50, I moved over to his side and started reading a second box of ammo. I looked out and he's shooting at a water buffalo that surrounded by 6 guys in black PJ's shooting at us. He nailed 4 right off the bat, we're loosing altitude (intentionally) when the water buffalo explodes. I looked at him, he at me, and we both just went "Wow". While this was going on, Huey Cobra showed up just after the explosion and he dropped down low and slow and then reported back that there's 6 bodies and one crater. Hey... we felt good. Better them than us. We landed, checked the plane and wandered off. The next morning, I bumped into the Colonel (our pilot) and he told me to go look at the side of the chopper. On the 1st mechs side, under the window where the gun was, there was painted a "kill" like the WWII fighters.... but this was a water buffalo with an "X" through it. Loved it and wish I knew were my albums were as I know I had a picture of it. So much for wandering down memory lane for now. It's been both fun and hard, but worth the trip to me. I'm now going to go focus on the Bellle Poule. And thanks to everyone who put up me remembering like some old guy... wait... I am an old guy.

When I was able to go to airshows back east the A-10's and F-15's were the crowd pleasers. At the one's we had up until about 5 or 6 years ago here in the valley, it was WWI and WWII aircraft that got the attention.

Best let the dolls stay where they are, Lou. Don't get them riled up.

Looking good, OC. As for the exhaust and rust.... dry brush some on over the black. Just make sure the black is dry first.

I'll add... don't forget material costs... wood, paint, etc.

You might also have a look at beauty supply shops. I get the disposable finger nail files (comes in assorted grits) and also the blocks that have a foam center. I think the last time I bought the files, they were around $0.75 each.

I hate to say this, but they're not "sister ships"... The Constitution was launched in 1797. The Constellation in Baltimore was launched in 1854. There was the frigate Constellation but it was broken up around 1852 or so. Four timbers from the first were used in constructing the sloop of war Constellation. Note that the Constellation in Baltimore was being passed off as the frigate for many years before some research was done.

I just did a quick Google using "model flags" and got tons of sites. But do check Model Shipways first.

I tried the stick... along with lots of bad language. Didn't work. Window shot out by ground fire duly noted in log book. I'm basically two parts way from finishing. Overall, pretty darn happy with it seeing as it's been so long doing plastic.

I didn't know they still made that one or that it was even available, Denis. I remember doing it way back when I was young.

Nicely done, OC. I'm glad you got the height right as I was wondering how you were going to solve that.

Well, I hope it all works out as it sounds promising.

Incredible workmanship.

I do understand the frustration, OC. I hope you can find a kit that will be a fitting tribute.

Bean-counters here? At MSW? I believe we have some rivet counters and some treenail counters but I don't recall seeing anyone counting beans.

You might try annealing the brass.... risky but it might work to soften it and make it less brittle. I've done it with thicker brass but never with anything as tiny or then as PE.

Not liking that, OC but do understand. We can only bang our head against the wall so many times.

Seems like it's two steps forward and one step back lately.... Oh well. I've been doing lots of clean up and adding subassemblies. Probably have another 10-15 bits to go. I had to remove one of the seats to get access to the cabin as I broke (again) a gun. At least now I'll be able to put it on and not fear (he says knowing that's a lie) that I'll break it again. I'm going to hold off though until just before the glass front end goes on. Actually, I'm pretty pleased. I still have a few seam lines to fill and and repaint but nothing serious there. And I knocked out a window so have to figure out if I can fit from the inside or just leave it off and claim battle damage.

For the rigging? It's your choice. Some do, some don't. Some use white glue and water. Others use nothing. I tend to do a mix.... bees wax on long cordage and for small stuff.... the glue and water mixture. As they say, "your mileage may vary.". Best way is as always.. test first. If no bees wax at hand, find a soft candle for testing to get an idea.

I don't know about you but I sure would be. Can they be pulled or cut off and flipped? BTW, while you're swearing feel free to kick somethings but not family.

Considering that there was no "US Air Force" as such.... the box is obviously wrong. It was the AAF... "Army Air Force". Ok... I'll go quietly now.

Christian, It's very possible the drawings in the monograph are the problem. The author of the monograph you're using is the same one who did the Hermoine and it has errors also. I would say, use one side of the drawing for both sides that way they will be the same. I've run across similar problems for plans by others also so it doesn't seem uncommon.