USS Constitution by mtbediz - 1:76

[mtbediz]

Believe it or not, I bought this dividing attachment two years ago and used it for the first time when I was building this wheel. I don't know when I'll use it again. You'll probably need this tool once or twice during a model ship build, but if you have it, it's a lifesaver and you'll get great results. I agree with Jon, he's in no rush to finish his model, and there's no point in investing in an expensive tool that he might need every 10-15 years!

 

As for milling, a real milling machine is a must, especially if you're building a model from scratch or tackling a kit bashing. Its signature can be found on every square inch of my Constitution.

Edited Wednesday at 12:30 AM by mtbediz

[mtbediz]

I am working on the spar deck capstan. I am using the jig in the photo to make the round pieces. The capstan will be installed in place after painting.

Edited Wednesday at 07:26 PM by mtbediz

[JSGerson]

Nice, clean, and precise...your usual excellence!

 

Jon

[GGibson]

58 minutes ago, JSGerson said:

Nice, clean, and precise...your usual excellence!

 

We can all concur with Jon's summation, Mustafa!  Awesome work!  Will definitely be referring back to your process here when it comes to my Constitution's capstan. 🏆🏆

[mtbediz]

4 hours ago, JSGerson said:

Nice, clean, and precise...your usual excellence!

 

Jon

Thanks Jon. I was supposed to paint the bottom two round pieces black before gluing them but I forgot. Now I'm trying to figure out how to keep the paint from spilling over to the other side when painting them

[mtbediz]

I painted the capstan.

[Thukydides]

It is looking really good.

[Unegawahya]

On 3/22/2025 at 10:02 PM, mtbediz said:

Thanks Greg. I was wondering where these ropes go and wanted to do a virtual tour to see them, but as you said, they go through the pantry.

Yes the tiller ropes go directly through the commodore’s pantry and come out and run back through the top of the wardroom.

[mtbediz]

I added the bow rail.

[JSGerson]

Beautifully done as I would expect. I have only one comment. Some time ago you mentioned that your model is based on what the real ship looks like TODAY. However, and I really hate to mention this as it would mean changing what you just did, today's ship does NOT have the bow topgallant rail ("bow rail") anymore since the ship's last restoration in 2015-17. Of course I could be wrong in your intensions; I do hope I'm wrong.

 

Jon

Edited 7 hours ago by JSGerson

[Der Alte Rentner]

Oooh, I'm going to be monitoring this discussion closely! I'd love to be able skip the bow rail.  In fact, I don't think I'd mind removing the rails midships and aft, which I only added because I was following the practicum and not paying attention to these builds..  

Edited 6 hours ago by Der Alte Rentner

[mtbediz]

4 hours ago, JSGerson said:

Beautifully done as I would expect. I have only one comment. Some time ago you mentioned that your model is based on what the real ship looks like TODAY. However, and I really hate to mention this as it would mean changing what you just did, today's ship does NOT have the bow topgallant rail ("bow rail") anymore since the ship's last restoration in 2015-17. Of course I could be wrong in your intensions; I do hope I'm wrong.

Thanks for the info Jon. Yes, you are absolutely correct. I mentioned earlier that I was building the ship as it looks today because until you mentioned it I didn't know about the 2015-2017 restoration and I thought the ship looked like it does today in the 3D virtual tour online. I will continue without removing the bow rail as I will continue to use the 3D Tour as a reference.

[Der Alte Rentner]

2 hours ago, mtbediz said:

I will continue to use the 3D Tour as a reference.

So,  I just tried to take the tour myself.  Something seems to be amiss at the site,  After selecting 

 

all I got was this:  The logo at top left of an otherwise completely blank page.  Clicking on the logo delivered me to a page that appears to be an ad for Guided.  

However, I did find a link to Google's 3D tour of the spar deck and see that Mustafa is conforming to that version.  

 

I did take examine all 360 degrees of the Google exhibit, which confirms that the only place the topgallant rail exists is at the bowsprit.  

 

I wasn't looking forward to adding the rail at the bowsprit, and like what I've seen in Jon's photos above.  While I am happy with the rails I constructed amidships and aft, I am considering jettisoning them, just so I can bail on the bowsprit.  It'll be a while before I get to that, since I'm still laboring with the cheek knees, so, we'll see.. 

 

There is something to be said for the KISS principle - Keep it simple s*****

 

P.S.  If I decide the risk of causing unwarranted damage in dismantling the after rails is too great, I am heartened to learn of Mustafa's technique here. Thank you sir, you are the master!

 

Edited 31 minutes ago by Der Alte Rentner