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

[HIPEXEC]

You're right David B. & Mike,

I cleaned up most of Constructo's cleats ( some were so bad they can't be cleaned up) and painted them. I'll let the paint dry while I'm snorkeling in Cancun.

Thanks

[dgbot]

They look okay to me. Plus once you start putting lines on them they will look even better.

David B

[augie]

You've done a fine job on them and David makes a good point.

[mtdoramike]

They look like little sharks teeth don't they hahahahahaha. That is the first thing that comes to mind when I think of model ship cleats, and here you are going to Cancun diving.

[mtdoramike]

I look at model kits this way, they supply the parts, you supply the labor and between the two, I hope to come out with an exceptable model. I have seen some high end models that turned out poorly as well as I have seen some less expensive kits turn out msome beautiful models. It depends on how well the model is constructed by the builder and finished off. I have discarded some kit materials and opted to either replace them with higher end fittings or make my own. A kit is only the starting point, it's up to YOU to make a beautiful model out of it.

[HIPEXEC]

I'm starting deck gun production. I had to make most parts from scratch with a very poor drawing and photo to guide me. I'm still making the barrel mount rod from coiled wire. Thanks to you all, I now know how to straighten it out. After I get this proto type together, I'll work on wheel design. I'm studying many different photos and drawings of deck guns to come up with a design that I think will look good.

[HIPEXEC]

I finished a prototype of a deck cannon. I'll study it for a while and if I still like it in a few days, I'll tackle 21 more. You all get to vote.

[HIPEXEC]

Question?:

 

Does anyone glue their deck guns permanently in position?

 

I had to pin the two deck guns on my Virginia Pilot Boat since they slid all around the deck whenever I touched the ship. I can only imagine with 22 deck guns, my deck will look a total mess.

[mtaylor]

Rich,

 

I answered in your other post about this, but I think it's the de facto standard.  We definitely don't want those babies moving around.

[src]

I would have to say Loose Cannons are never your friend.

Sam

[robnbill]

Since the cannon carriages on the Mamoli Connie were metal I used a spot of epoxy under each cannon. I could not possibly have done any of the rigging on the cannon without first gluing the cannon firmly in place. 

Edited July 30, 2014 by robnbill

[lambsbk]

Dido...I am in plastic right now but I cupped out a small spot for each cannon carriage wheel and cemented them firmly in place.

[HIPEXEC]

Okay....no loose cannons for me. Thanks!

[HIPEXEC]

Cannon factory is slow but sure. Two down and 20 to go.

[robnbill]

I got so tired of cannon. It was a happy day when I rigged my last one.

[HIPEXEC]

Here's my gun assembly line. First I have to straighten the coiled wire and cut it into 10mm pieces. Then I have to glue that pin into a the hole in the cannon. I made a measured marked "jig" on masking tape to place the two vertical gun supports then glue the cannons to it. When that is set, I glue the cannons on to a 10mm by 20mm piece for the platform. Then I glue the wheels that I fabricated out of "Q" tip shafts and painted plack. Then I glue the elevation wedge with a brass pin installed. Last I'll add brass rings for the rigging.

[HIPEXEC]

pic

[dgbot]

Looks like you have a regular foundry going there.

David B

[PopJack]

I would have to say Loose Cannons are never your friend.

Sam

 

True in so many ways!

[HIPEXEC]

I'm half way through making the cannons. Another few days should do it. Then I'll start rigging them. 

[HIPEXEC]

Here's a dress rehearsal for the first 11 guns. I'm doing it to check out the scope of the rigging and to do some touching up on spots I don't like. I want fairly good continuity down the line.

[usedtosail]

Nice looking deck you got there.

[augie]

She's gettin' her teeth!!!!

[dgbot]

So have you decided to start a foundry?

David B

[HIPEXEC]

Making all those guns seems like a never ending process. Imagine making them for the HMS Victory!!!

[src]

Rich, I can't agree more! I only have 14 on my build and it's taking forever, I can't imagine the number you have to do. They look good though.

Sam

[HIPEXEC]

Full Dress Rehearsal!!      All guns in place.      Just looking at the fully armed model gives one pause at the lethal fire power of a close aboard broadside would have!  I wouldn't want to sail close aboard this ship with enemy colors flying.

 

Enough fiction....now to rigging the guns.

[mtdoramike]

What a beautiful model

[HIPEXEC]

It took me over a half hour to do just three guns with two rings each. At this rate gun rigging will take a very long time. Oh well....what else is there to do?

[robnbill]

Rich, the carronades also had a ring at the top of the cascabel for the breech line to go through. The long guns had the breech line wrapped around the cascabel. I soldered rings onto each of the carronade barrels for this.