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USF Constitution by cookster - Model Shipways - kitbashed to 1812


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Quick update.

Finished the aft dual hatch coaming.  The front side will be left open and I'll install a ladder there.

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Made the other side of the planking for the mizzen mast, still need to cut out the mast holes.

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Making the deck plank section for the gundeck under the front of the main hatch.  It's not finished yet, here's where it will go.

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Wes Cook

 

Current Build: USF Constitution (Model Shipways)

USF Essex (Scratch build)

MS Syren (build log lost, need to rebuild)

 

Future Builds: MS Confederacy

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The decking under the main hatch looks great, however be advised, under the main hatch on the spar deck is a corresponding hatch on the gun deck and further below a hatch on the berth deck in order to get cargo into the main hold and orlop.

Henry

 

Laissez le bon temps rouler ! 

 

 

Current Build:  Le Soleil Royal

Completed Build Amerigo Vespucci

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Oh Popeye, thanks for the info.  Not sure I want to scratch the gundeck hatch.  Oh wait, have a spare coaming I already built, maybe I could use that - although it may be the wrong size.  I'll check my AOTS book and see if it's close.

 

Oh, and that gundeck planking section is not yet glued down so I have time to modify it if I wish.  I gotta stain it too...

 

Thanks for the info!

Edited by cookster

Wes Cook

 

Current Build: USF Constitution (Model Shipways)

USF Essex (Scratch build)

MS Syren (build log lost, need to rebuild)

 

Future Builds: MS Confederacy

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I've planked around all the hatch coamings except for one last notched plank, and the main hatch.  Whew!!

I had to notch one plank very deeply, to the point I thought it wouldn't work.  But with boxwood it came out fine.  That sliver is at or a little less that 1 mm wide - yea I couldn't believe it either at first....

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Also attempted my first plank notched on both ends of a hatch.  This is the second attempt, first one not good...   I used a #11 blade and a straight edge.

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I also tried scribing plank gaps.  Bob Hunt planked his entire deck this way, but I didn't want to go that route.  Here's a spot  where it would've been very short to cut a plank.  

I scribed the joint with the back of a #11 blade against a straight edge.  I got this technique from another builder, but I can't remember who... (sorry)

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Rubbed pencil lead in the cut

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Then used a damp q-tip to rub the excess lead off.

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And in place.  BTW, 2 of the three joints in this pic are scribed in.

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Wes Cook

 

Current Build: USF Constitution (Model Shipways)

USF Essex (Scratch build)

MS Syren (build log lost, need to rebuild)

 

Future Builds: MS Confederacy

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Thought I'd try a few close up shots...

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And overall....

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You can also see in this pic I added support "beams" for the deck planking made from basswood because the ply bulkheads were too far apart.  If I had used full length planks and scribed joints as Bob Hunt did this wouldn't have been necessary, but I didn't want to use full length planks.

 

Also, I might as well admit my plank lengths aren't scale length, but without rebuilding the entire deck structure this really wasn't possible (without scribed joints)  So I will live with it.  On my next build I will do better!

Edited by cookster

Wes Cook

 

Current Build: USF Constitution (Model Shipways)

USF Essex (Scratch build)

MS Syren (build log lost, need to rebuild)

 

Future Builds: MS Confederacy

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Hatches all lined up....perfectly.

 

Scribing and notching.  We should start a club!

Augie

 

Current Build: US Frigate Confederacy - MS 1:64

 

Previous Builds :

 

US Brig Syren (MS) - 2013 (see Completed Ship Gallery)

Greek Tug Ulises (OcCre) - 2009 (see Completed Ship Gallery)

Victory Cross Section (Corel) - 1988

Essex (MS) 1/8"- 1976

Cutty Sark (Revell 1:96) - 1956

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Thanks everyone!  I really appreciate all the kind words...

 

Robert, since you've been to the real Conny (I haven't) you saying it matches the real thing makes my "modeling" day!  :)  :)  :)

Wes Cook

 

Current Build: USF Constitution (Model Shipways)

USF Essex (Scratch build)

MS Syren (build log lost, need to rebuild)

 

Future Builds: MS Confederacy

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One more quick topic:

I added a strip of pear to act as the beam under the main hatch.  I did this by gluing on a 1/8" square strip on the coaming, then a 1/32 strip of pear to simulate the beam.  I will also do this to the ply bulkhead and basswood strips on the front and sides of the hatch.

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On the advice of Popeye I decided to try and show the gundeck hatch under the main hatch.  I had an extra coaming so I thought I'd try and use it.  Here it's temporarily placed it on the gundeck.  I think this should be a dual hatch, but by only leaving out the front 2 gratings you won't be able to see if it's a single or dual.  I may have it too far forward here though.  I just put it where it shows a little.  There will also be ladders here as well.

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Thoughts?

Edited by cookster

Wes Cook

 

Current Build: USF Constitution (Model Shipways)

USF Essex (Scratch build)

MS Syren (build log lost, need to rebuild)

 

Future Builds: MS Confederacy

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I am not sure if it is to far forward, I think Russ would be the one that can anser this question. But the wood work you are doing is excellent. Keep the pictures coming. Do you have any plans to go by for measurments?

Edited by WackoWolf

Wacko

Joe :D

 

Go MSW :) :)

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Good call Wwolf, I checked the Marquardt dwgs and the front of the gundeck hatch is in line with the front on the main hatch.  So, I will do that.

Wes Cook

 

Current Build: USF Constitution (Model Shipways)

USF Essex (Scratch build)

MS Syren (build log lost, need to rebuild)

 

Future Builds: MS Confederacy

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Wow! You are my goal when it comes to fine miniature wood working. Watching your work will drive me to be more careful with my work.

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Great build ! I can't wait to see more progress. I'll be referring to your build often when mine starts. Again your work is top notch !

Eric

 

Current build(s) ;

AL San Francisco II

http://modelshipworld.com/index.php?/topic/862-san-francisco-2-by-eric-al-190-sport29652/

 

MS Rattlesnake

http://modelshipworld.com/index.php?/topic/868-rattlesnake-by-eric-model-shipways-164-sport29652/page-2

 

Sitting on the shelf : MS Constitution, MS Sultana,

 

Wish List : MS Essex, Confederacy, and Syren, and a Victory kit by someone ?

 

"80% of the time it works every time."

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Wow! You are my goal when it comes to fine miniature wood working. Watching your work will drive me to be more careful with my work.

That's how MSW works :)

Augie

 

Current Build: US Frigate Confederacy - MS 1:64

 

Previous Builds :

 

US Brig Syren (MS) - 2013 (see Completed Ship Gallery)

Greek Tug Ulises (OcCre) - 2009 (see Completed Ship Gallery)

Victory Cross Section (Corel) - 1988

Essex (MS) 1/8"- 1976

Cutty Sark (Revell 1:96) - 1956

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Well, I thought I was done making hatch coamings, but I wasn't.....  Since I needed one more hatch under the main hatch I had to make it.  I did not have the size grates I needed, but I did have some extras I could cut down.  So I cut them down, then glued back together.  Not perfect, but they will do.

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I made the hatch coaming with simple butt joints, (I know, I can hear the moans from here!) but it was easier and faster.

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All done - not perfect but for the hard to see gundeck I'll take it.

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Started cutting out the gundeck section for the hatch to fit.

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I'm also still adding deck planking...

Edited by cookster

Wes Cook

 

Current Build: USF Constitution (Model Shipways)

USF Essex (Scratch build)

MS Syren (build log lost, need to rebuild)

 

Future Builds: MS Confederacy

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Wes 

 

Great details and outstanding craftsmanship. I can't wait to see what you will come up with for a case.  You are going to have get one of those optic cameras so you can see all the hidden details. I would hate to see what the inside of my Conny would look like.

Geoff

NRG member #2666
Current build : USS Constitution

 

Finished builds: Armed Virginia Sloop (in gallery)

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Once again, thanks guys!

 

Popeye2, you're the reason I made that extra hatch, thanks again! (I think :) )

 

Rich, been watching your build, just take your time, she's looking good!

 

Thanks Sport!

 

Geoff, I already have some case ideas (Mahogany w/cabriolet (queen Anne) legs and a printed sea or port of Boston backdrop) but I think I'm a couple years away from needing it....  As far as the mini-camera, don't give me any ideas...  There's only extra (almost) hidden stuff in 2 places really anyway.  But my next build, well, you never know.... ;)

 

And as far as this mini-woodworking, there's still several pieces I'm VERY worried about, namely the bitts and fife rails.  I know how I want to build them, but it's gonna be tough.  Simple butt joints aren't going to do.  Accurate half-laps and mortises at that small size are gonna be a pain.  Then there's the sheaves...  and cleats...  Then I gotta pin them to the deck.   I wanted to cut notches in the deck for them very badly but that would've required MUCH planning, and I finally decided against it.  Pinning them will work, but drilling a few holes in hopefully the right spot, and *hoping* they fit just won't cut it.  I've thought of numerous jigs for this and I probably won't settle on one until I actually start making them.

 

But alas, that's for later...  Now back to planking

Wes Cook

 

Current Build: USF Constitution (Model Shipways)

USF Essex (Scratch build)

MS Syren (build log lost, need to rebuild)

 

Future Builds: MS Confederacy

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Wes, you must be getting fed up with making those gratings mate, but I must say they are a work of art, well done.

 

Good luck with the remaining decking, Bitts and Fife Rails.

 

Be Good

 

mobbsie

mobbsie
All mistakes are deliberate ( me )


Current Build:- HMS Schooner Pickle

 

Completed Builds :-   Panart 1/16 Armed Launch / Pinnace ( Completed ),  Granado Cross Section 1/48

Harwich Bawley, Restoration,  Thames Barge Edme, Repair / Restoration,  Will Everard 1/67 Billings 

HMS Agamemnon 1781 - 1/64 Caldercraft KitHM Brig Badger,  HM Bomb Vessel Granado,
Thames Steam Launch Louise,  Thames Barge Edme,  Viking Dragon Boat


Next Build :-  

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Thanks Mobbsie!

 

OK, still working on the gundeck planking sections (that will be barely visible  :( .  

Got 2 sections done and stained.

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I put wipe on poly on the coaming and stained the grate.  I thought I would like the stain, I had tried it on a test piece - but after seeing it in the coming I don't think I like it.  So, I will probably leave the grates natural on the spar deck.

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Here's the first section installed....

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Edited by cookster

Wes Cook

 

Current Build: USF Constitution (Model Shipways)

USF Essex (Scratch build)

MS Syren (build log lost, need to rebuild)

 

Future Builds: MS Confederacy

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Wes,

 

Fantastic work, I must say !!

 

My only complaint is that you (and all the other Connie builders) are adding YEARS to my own build time !!

(Oh well, I'll get over it)

 

Keep the pics coming.

CaptainSteve
Current Build:  HM Granado Bomb Vessel (Caldercraft)

My BathTub:    Queen Anne Barge (Syren Ship Models)       Log:  Queen Anne Barge (an build log)

                        Bounty Launch (Model Shipways)                 Log:  Bounty Launch by CaptainSteve
                        Apostol Felipe (OcCre)
                        HMS Victory (Constructo)
Check It Out:   The Kit-Basher's Guide to The Galaxy

Website:          The Life & Boats of CaptainSteve

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Steve, good luck on your Conny.  I had not intended to add any "extras" to my build when I started out, but as I got into the build and got comfortable with my skills, and I found so much info on MSW, I decided to "go beyond the kit".

 

Good luck on your Conny!

 

No update for my Conny at the moment, I've added more deck planks but nothing worth showing.  I have been spending a lot of time lately at the drafting table (read: computer) working on dwgs for my next build.  Not at liberty yet to say what it is, but I hope it will be an interesting subject.  I hope to work on a proof of concept during my 2 week Christmas break from work.

 

I'll post more Conny pics this weekend.  Again, thanks to everyone for looking in!

Edited by cookster

Wes Cook

 

Current Build: USF Constitution (Model Shipways)

USF Essex (Scratch build)

MS Syren (build log lost, need to rebuild)

 

Future Builds: MS Confederacy

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  • 3 weeks later...

Hi all, sorry I haven't posted in a while, had to get through Christmas and new years...  Work on my Conny continues, I'm still deck planking.  Will try to post some pics this weekend.  I've also started on my new scratchbuild project, will post that in the scratch forum when I have enough content to post.

 

My Christmas present finally arrived today, a Sherline 5400 mill and accessories.  I took advantage of their Christmas sale and ordered right before Christmas.  Now, I have to put it together, take some pics, then try to make something!  I also got their "Tabletop Machining" book, just looking at the first few pages makes my mouth water.  This should be an awesome book...

 

I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas and will have a prosperous new year!

Wes Cook

 

Current Build: USF Constitution (Model Shipways)

USF Essex (Scratch build)

MS Syren (build log lost, need to rebuild)

 

Future Builds: MS Confederacy

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  • 4 weeks later...

Well, it's been awhile since I posted, I've had many things to deal with lately that have kept me out of the shipyard.  Even my scratchbuild of Essex is suffering, but at least on that one I have been working on my drawings.

 

On Conny I have been adding deck planking slowly whenever i had time.  I actually had forgotten where I was when I last posted so there's been more progress than I thought, although it is slow going.

 

With that said, pics of current progress

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post-5597-0-47483600-1390791733_thumb.jpg....

 

Wes Cook

 

Current Build: USF Constitution (Model Shipways)

USF Essex (Scratch build)

MS Syren (build log lost, need to rebuild)

 

Future Builds: MS Confederacy

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There is some seriously impressive work going here mate, I love every update.

 

Keep it up Wes.

 

Be Good

 

mobbsie

mobbsie
All mistakes are deliberate ( me )


Current Build:- HMS Schooner Pickle

 

Completed Builds :-   Panart 1/16 Armed Launch / Pinnace ( Completed ),  Granado Cross Section 1/48

Harwich Bawley, Restoration,  Thames Barge Edme, Repair / Restoration,  Will Everard 1/67 Billings 

HMS Agamemnon 1781 - 1/64 Caldercraft KitHM Brig Badger,  HM Bomb Vessel Granado,
Thames Steam Launch Louise,  Thames Barge Edme,  Viking Dragon Boat


Next Build :-  

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Let me ask for your indulgence as I post a few gratuitous "here's my planking pics".  I do think these look pretty cool, from a "crewman's" point of view.

I also want to add again what a pleasure it is to use Jeff Hayes (Hobbymil) supplied boxwood deck planking.  Makes all the difference in the world over basswood...

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Wes Cook

 

Current Build: USF Constitution (Model Shipways)

USF Essex (Scratch build)

MS Syren (build log lost, need to rebuild)

 

Future Builds: MS Confederacy

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