USS Constitution by bthoe – Model Shipways – Scale 1:76.8 – 1812 era

[bthoe]

Hi JJ - I wish I could take credit for this, but there are far smarter people on this site than me!   I'm just replicating what I've already seen here on MSW.

 

[Der Alte Rentner]

Greetings bthoe.

I don't know how I missed your build until now, but I searched MSW for "bowsprit tenon" and that led me to your build log.  Sorry about the bloodshed...

I'm just starting out myself and have added your build to my watchlist.  I see you haven't posted since Thanksgiving last year.  Hope you're just collecting pictures to post soon.  

[bthoe]

Hi All,

Sorry for the REALLY long break, but I needed it.  I'm getting back to the shipyard, now that the leaves are beginning to fall (helped by the dry weather conditions here).  I've been working on the gun deck knees and will include pics shortly.

Welcome Der Alte Rentner!  Sorry that you picked a slow time in the shipyard to join in!  Hopefully there'll be something for you to see soon.

My plans moving forward (at least for now) is to finish up the knees, continue planking the hull, and in between things, I'll begin fabricating the gun deck furnishings, including the ship's stove, capstan, etc.

[Unegawahya]

8 hours ago, bthoe said:

Hi All,

Sorry for the REALLY long break, but I needed it.  I'm getting back to the shipyard, now that the leaves are beginning to fall (helped by the dry weather conditions here).  I've been working on the gun deck knees and will include pics shortly.

Welcome Der Alte Rentner!  Sorry that you picked a slow time in the shipyard to join in!  Hopefully there'll be something for you to see soon.

My plans moving forward (at least for now) is to finish up the knees, continue planking the hull, and in between things, I'll begin fabricating the gun deck furnishings, including the ship's stove, capstan, etc.

That’s ok I did the same thing just I was missing for a lot longer! I favorited you build! She’s looking great! 

[Der Alte Rentner]

16 hours ago, bthoe said:

Hi All,

Sorry for the REALLY long break, but I needed it.  I'm getting back to the shipyard, now that the leaves are beginning to fall (helped by the dry weather conditions here).  I've been working on the gun deck knees and will include pics shortly.

Welcome Der Alte Rentner!  Sorry that you picked a slow time in the shipyard to join in! 

Having experienced several, 'gee, what do I do now'? moments myself, even this early in the build, I fully understand the need for breaks - long or short.  Researching and problem solving are consuming way more time than I anticipated.  As a consequence my posts will be fewer and further between as I wrestle with issues and decisions going forward.  

 

Right now, I'm debating whether or not to dismantle the transom elements because the topgallant rail will not adequately cover the overly thick transom assembly (planking/shims/frames/planking).  I suppose I could simply make a wider rail, and just move on.  But I'm obsessing over this little detail. The topgallant rail has quite the arc in it, yet the transom itself is fairly flat.  I'm looking for photos of these details before I take saw and chisel to the stern.  

 

But I digress.  Welcome back.  

[bthoe]

Thanks folks.  I can really relate to both of you.  Reminds me of back in the 80s when I was finishing my basement, and I'd go down there and just sit and stare at things wondering, "now what the heck am I going to do about that...".  It eventually worked itself out, but it really derails you for a time.  Anyway, I'm back on track for now, and it feels good to be back.

[bthoe]

Ok, here we go.  In this almost-year away, I've been busy MOSTLY away from the shipyard.  However, I did work a little bit and here is what I was working on:

I wasn't interested in creating a build log - it was more for a build along-side the full ship.  I'm interested in displaying this alongside the full ship to show what things look like below decks.  I only plan on finishing the main mast up to the fighting top and leaving the yardarm off. 

 

I was also interested in how things were done on the gun deck on this model.  Something I got from it was the knees:

I traced these and cut them out with a razor saw.  Once the basic shape was done, I used a rotary tool with a sander on it to clean them up - here is the results:

I used the google maps view of the gun deck to check out the knee placement, and came up with the following table.  The bottom and tops are the plank numbers measured from the waterway:

Just the other night I drilled the holes around the gun ports, and began manufacturing eyes:

That's it for now.  I'll be mounting the eyes around the ports next, then putting in the knees.

 

 

[bthoe]

Time for an update.  Last October, I realized that detailing the Gun Deck was probably a bad idea before the hull was planked, due to all of the upside-down and turnings of the hull while doing planking and the likelihood that deck details would probably start to come apart.  So on to planking the hull! 

 

But then I realized – before I planked the hull, I needed to get the Berth Deck enclosed (to keep dust/debris out, etc).  And before I could do that, I needed to build ladders from the Gun Deck to the Berth Deck. 

 

I began working on ladders last spring, and that presented problems for me.  Every which way I tried, I was dissatisfied with the outcome.  Treads were obviously crooked, etc.  In May, I finally came up with this:

Note that while some of the treads are a little crooked in the above photo, it was easy enough to see and adjust or completely remove and re-set before the glue set.  This resulted in a ladder that looked like this:

I was quite happy with the result.

[bthoe]

Once I had the technique down, I went ahead and created all ladders that I will need for Connie.  I based this on reference drawings from AOTS, both for number of ladders and their widths.  From that, I got 10-2’ ladders, 8-3’ ladders, and 1-4’ ladder.  Below is the sketch I made of the layout.

I cut all of the stair treads using the below jig.  In the photo, I added a spacer in order to cut the 3 foot treads.  Prior to the spacer being added, I cut all of the 2 foot treads using the slot between the blocks.  I was pleased how nice and square the treads turned out (I DO have a miter box for my razor saw, but it’s poor quality, and leaves much to be desired).

The resultant ladders are below, and while not perfect, they are good enough for me.

[bthoe]

I mounted the ladders between the Berth and Gun Decks, and chose – at least at this time – to leave off the handholds.  I will re-visit them once I begin detailing the Gun Deck..  Once all the ladders were mounted, I enclosed the Berth Deck with some spare 1/32” ply that I had, painted black on inside facing.

 

Edited August 15 by bthoe

[bthoe]

Next, I planked the wales and added the garboard strake.  Sorry I didn't take any photos of planking the wales.  

Just recently I lined off the hull.  This is a new thing for me, and I'm sure it's not perfect.  Still, it gives me a good idea how the planking bands will go.

(almost has the look of a dirigible w/o skin on 😊)

I’ll try to update this build a bit more often than once a year from now on!

 

On to planking!!

 

Edited August 15 by bthoe

[mtbediz]

Hi, your ladders look great. I'm building the USS Constitution too, but mine isn't a kit. I used the kit plan from Model Shipways to cut the bulkheads and bulkhead former. I am making all the remaining details using the ship's photos and videos on the internet and US Navy plans. I also added the gun deck details, just like you. Since I'm a further along in construction than you, you may want to take a look at my build log to get ideas for your build.

Edited August 15 by mtbediz

[schooner]

Nice jig for the ladders!

[JSGerson]

If you have been following my log, you would know that ladders have been my nemesis. I tried building ladders without trend grooves in the side rails like, you early in my build, and luckily they were installed from the gun deck to the berth deck so you couldn't see much of them. They weren't that good. The ones I made for the passage from the gun deck to the spar deck inspired by Mustafa's method, came out much better though still not as nice looking as yours. That was a lot of meticulous work you invested and you were rewarded with beautiful ladders. Well done!

 

Jon

[bthoe]

Thanks Mustafa, Tim, and Jon!  

@mtbediz, for sure I'll add you to the watch list.

@JSGerson, it was all the trouble you had with the handholds coming loose that makes me want to wait until the hull is planked, the gun deck is completely detailed, and I'm ready to enclose it with the spar deck before adding it.

I swear, the littlest thing, like crooked stair treads will derail me for the longest time.  And I don't want to invest in expensive tools that I may or may not use again once this is done.  I admire how some of you folks say, "so let's go to the drill press/lathe/table saw/etc. and whip up thus and such".  Sounds great, but oh, so expensive!!!  (But oooooh so nice!!!).  We'll see what the Admiral says about adding to my tool collection!

 

Thanks all for the likes, and I'll be updating with planking posts soon!  WAY sooner than another year! 

Edited August 16 by bthoe

[bthoe]

Just one more thing about the ladders, or gun carriages, or hatch coamings, or anything like that...find something that works, and then crank out all of them you need -- quick before you forget how you did it!!  I just hope I can find them once I get to the point of needing the rest of them!   

[Der Alte Rentner]

17 hours ago, bthoe said:

I admire how some of you folks say, "so let's go to the drill press/lathe/table saw/etc. and whip up thus and such".  Sounds great, but oh, so expensive!!! 

Guilty as charged, but acquired over a lifetime, the costs are not as bad as all that. Think of them as investments instead of expenses. One thing that I learned is that, I'll tackle projects that I would not otherwise have tackled, because I have the tools. But as I've said before at this website, I may have more cents than sense.

 

 

Welcome back.

[bthoe]

9 hours ago, Der Alte Rentner said:

Welcome back.

Thank you sir!  You sure have made a LOT of great progress in the last year! 

 

And regarding tools - on the larger scale, I have a policy that any new project deserves a new tool!  But a full-size mitre saw, finishing nailer, impact driver, etc. have limited use in model ship building!  And I would guess that the modeling size tools that look so handy would have limited use for the Admiral's full size re-modeling projects!

[mtbediz]

Since it took me 6 years to collect the tools I have, it didn't hurt much. Especially the fact that the comprehensive kits cost almost as much as the tools led me to this. It really costs less to make a model from scratch.

[Der Alte Rentner]

11 hours ago, bthoe said:

1. But a full-size mitre saw, finishing nailer, impact driver, etc. have limited use in model ship building! 

 

2. And I would guess that the modeling size tools that look so handy would have limited use for the Admiral's full size re-modeling projects!

As for item 1  none of those are necessary for anything on this model.

 

Item 2 relates to keeping the Admiralty happy, but has nothing to do with funding your hobby.

 

As Mustafa pointed out, spread out over time, the cost of specialized tools is not so bad.

 

Keep this in mind. Time is money. The less time you spend on your model, because you have more efficient tools, the more time you have available to satisfy the Admiralty. 

 

Since you are already past the filler block phase of the project, you don't need a band saw. But since you are about to Embark upon planking the hull, let me just say I found the proxxon milling machine to be invaluable in that endeavor.

 

The other tool I use more than just about anything else is the small belt sander.

 

If you don't already have these, they would be items number one and two on my shopping list right now. But I'm also a fan of hand craftsmanship. So, I will ne looking forward to see what you can accomplish with hand tools.  😁

 

Good luck either way.

[JSGerson]

I have/use 4 basic power tools:

• Dremel rotary tool
• Byrnes table saw - Invaluable!!!
• Small disc sander
• 50 yr old Dremel scroll saw

I also have, but rarely use these power tools:

• Byrnes dimensional sander
• Small wood lathe

I have learned not to anticipate a tool I may need in the future because I most likely won't need it. Buy it when you are positive you need it. This goes for both hand and power tools. Always research the tool before you buy.

 

Hope this helps

 

Jon

Edited August 17 by JSGerson

[Der Alte Rentner]

On 8/17/2024 at 11:24 AM, JSGerson said:

I have/use 4 basic power tools:

• Dremel rotary tool
• Byrnes table saw - Invaluable!!!
• Small disc sander
• 50 yr old Dremel scroll saw

I also have, but rarely use these power tools:

• Byrnes dimensional sander
• Small wood lathe

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.)  

[JSGerson]

Peter, I use my disc sander like a belt sander. Granted, they are not the same tool, but I make it work.

 

Jon

[GGibson]

22 hours ago, Der Alte Rentner said:

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.

If you are truly interested, Peter, give Donna a call at Byrnes Model Machines.  You may be surprised by her answer.

[Der Alte Rentner]

23 hours ago, GGibson said:

If you are truly interested, Peter, give Donna a call at Byrnes Model Machines.  You may be surprised by her answer.

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

Edited August 21 by Der Alte Rentner

[Der Alte Rentner]

On 8/14/2024 at 8:10 PM, bthoe said:

Just recently I lined off the hull.  This is a new thing for me, and I'm sure it's not perfect.  Still, it gives me a good idea how the planking bands will go.

(almost has the look of a dirigible w/o skin on 😊)

I’ll try to update this build a bit more often than once a year from now on!

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.

 

[bthoe]

Hi Peter,

 

Yes, the tape has already been removed from the hull.  After I was satisfied with the look, I sliced up some tick strips and marked crossing locations on them.  And on the filler blocks fore and aft I did my best to mark off the path of the tape.  It gives me a good idea on how things should go.  I've measured all of the tick strips and entered them into a spreadsheet to help with plank width planning.  I will take these measurements and transfer them back to the bulkheads in marker.

 

And of course, you are right - I do remember you and others mentioning something about how it would have been better to have filler blocks between A and B to reduce the flattening out of planks in that area.  It'll be a challenge to make them now with the wales already in place, but I think I will go ahead and do it.  Thanks for the suggestion!

 

More to come.

[Der Alte Rentner]

18 hours ago, bthoe said:

It'll be a challenge to make them now with the wales already in place, but I think I will go ahead and do it.

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.

Edited August 23 by Der Alte Rentner

[bthoe]

Over the last couple of weeks I looked into the A-B filler block shapes, laid them out on a block of basswood, and cut them out.  I then shaped them using my rotary tool with a sanding fitting (yes, I do have one of these).  Once shaped, I epoxied them into place.  As you can see, I was a bit too aggressive in my sanding, but fortunately, I have found some great filler - it goes on really smoothly, and is easy to sand.  I'm still not completely satisfied with the shape - there are some low spots I need to deal with.  Still, I am happy that I took the time to add these - thanks for the prompting, Peter!

 

The below image is from Anatomy of the Ship

And here are extensions from the plans.  Bulkhead A uses the untapered edge, while Bulkhead B uses the tapered edge.

  

 

 

Happy Labor Day, Everyone!

Edited September 2 by bthoe

[Der Alte Rentner]

On 9/2/2024 at 8:31 AM, bthoe said:

Still, I am happy that I took the time to add these - thanks for the prompting, Peter!

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!