USS Constitution by Hipexec - FINISHED - Constructo - 1:82

[dgbot]

I think you have the got the guts to take on a Constructo Victory

David B

Edited April 28, 2014 by dgbot

[patrickmil]

The gallery windows look nice and the entry ways look great too. From the tone of some comments on your log, I get the feeling that Constructo has run a little short of your expectations? You've managed to do well on this kit despite that.

[augie]

You've done a great job on the QG.  Sorry about the setback on the stern lights but, knowing you, you'll get them.  Don't be discouraged.

[HIPEXEC]

While I'm pondering my next steps, I'm mounting the cannons so I can construct and mount the gunport covers. If I put the covers on before the cannon, my fat fingers won't let me insert the cannons into the holes I'd drilled way back in November. I've also glued on the starboard bow ornament. The wooden wedges will be removed when the glue dries.

 

A comment about Constructo: They give you a nice kit, but the drawings and instructions are extremely lacking in many areas. I have to figure out an awful lot on my own. When I built my first kit, the instructions were much better.

Edited April 28, 2014 by Hipexec

[HIPEXEC]

HMS Victory is the Mount Everest of ship modeling.

[augie]

Being an American, it may sound unusual but HMS Victory is my favorite sailing man-o'-war.  But building her really well would be like building the Empire State Building on top of Everest (at least for me).

[Karleop]

Rich Do not despair, I've had experience with Constructo but the instructions are excellent if you compare with the Vasa BB.

 

The positive side is that it definitely helps to improve the Hobby since awakens imagination and skills you have never thought.  

 

Saludos, Karl

[HIPEXEC]

Working on the transom. Found an eagle on E-Bay..better than Constructo's. Still some work to be done to clean it up. False cannons are all glued in. Some deck trim glued in.

[dgbot]

Keep up the good work.

David B

[patrickmil]

Rich, the transom looks great. The eagle is a big improvement over what was supplied.

[augie]

Now that's an eagle.  Well done all around.

[src]

Yes, Very well done.

Sam

[HIPEXEC]

My electrician has just installed some great new halogen lights over my workbench. Wow...what a difference!

 

I'm working on the deck trim and even though Constructo has finally given me three drawings and a photo of the large grated area on the main deck. I'm having a tough time figuring out exactly what to do. I'm just plunging ahead doing what I think will result in the whole structure looking like the photo. I guess if I knew what the deck structure did I'd have a better idea how to build it. 

[augie]

It's great to have all the light you need in the shop.  Just watch your colors --- they can appear very different depending on the light your using versus the area you intend to display the finished ship in.  I can't speak for halogens but I know that natural, fluorescent and incandescent all give you different appearances.

[src]

Rich,

Augie brings up a good point. Halogen bulbs are a slightly different temperature. Check out this page if interested. http://www.lightbulbsdirect.com/page/001/ctgy/colortemp

Sam

[HIPEXEC]

Now I see why Constructo had me plank below decks. At the time I thought it was a job never to be seen again. Wrong! Below decks are quite visible and I will build stairs to get down to them.

[HIPEXEC]

More power to all of you who do that fabulous mini carpentry work. Your stuff makes me envious. I struggle to get these thing straight, level, square, etc. Here's the deck hatch I had to figure out from Constructo's very confusing drawings.

[augie]

Looks to me like this struggle really paid off!

[HIPEXEC]

HELP!

 

Any tips how to make gratings out of these pre-cut pieces Constructo gave me? I have to make quite a few of different shapes.. I suppose a jig of sorts would help, but that would take some precision cutting tools that I do not have. Maybe some mildly sticky pads to hold the rows of pieces while I snap the top layer on? I have no idea. I just tried to put some together with no success.

[Sjors]

Rich,

 

I have make a few pictures how to assemble the gratings.

I hope it is clear for you.

When you make the gratings and before putting the wooden frame around it, let it take a bath in diluted pva.

So you know for sure that they are all sticking together.

When they are all together .you can easily make them the right size with an exact knife.

 

Edited May 2, 2014 by Sjors

[patrickmil]

Rich, the openings and hatch covers look great. Very clean work indeed. We should be envious of you for such an incredible build so far.

[HIPEXEC]

Sjors, Thanks for the tip. I shall attempt to build the grates.

[HIPEXEC]

My first grate!  I used a comb for a jig to get started, then I laid out the first course, then used scotch tape to hold them together and flipped it to add the last course, then used a 3x5 card to lay it on wax paper for Sjor's diluted PVA glue bath. Hooray....it worked.

[HIPEXEC]

Main hatchway finished except for the boat cradles and brass. If it weren't for  Sjor's  tip, I'd still be fumbling around trying to build them.

[dgbot]

Looking good. Keep it up.

David B

[src]

Rich,

I dont think you have anything to be envious about at all! Your joinery looks great, and the comb idea, Brilliant!

Sam

[Sjors]

Lesson learned Rich !!!!!

 

Well done !

 

[Dimitris71]

A very beautiful grate Rich. Have a nice weekend.

[HIPEXEC]

I couldn't do it without all your support. I look at your builds frequently to get ideas.

[HIPEXEC]

Finish trim on the main hatch. I had to curve the trim to match the arch of the deck. Made and glued on the boat chocks. Made the bow area grate. Wow...what a job. Now I have to trim it to fit.