USS Constitution by g8rfan99 - BlueJacket Shipcrafters - 1/98

[g8rfan]

Thanks Kurt for confirming that.  I must have missed the part about the varying degrees.

[g8rfan]

Got the holes drilled for the masts. I did it using my drill press and a digital level indicator. Much to my releif, they all turned out just right, with the proper rake and all plumb to the centerline. Here's a photo with a few dowels in place

[g8rfan]

Moving on to the deck planking, I did a bit of experimenting with the stain. As mentioned, I plan to use the scribed decking supplied in the kit.

I've looked at alot of photos of the gun deck, as well as the virtual tour the museum has to get a feel for the color. Of course, lighting and viewing angle has significant effect on what the color appears to be. I finally decided to use a photo that @JSGerson posted (#256) that has a pretty direct view with apparently good light. After some experimenting, I found that I could replicate this fairly closely by first applying a liberal coat of Minwax Natural, allowing it to dry overnight. I followed that with Minwax Colonial Maple, which has a fairly red tint to it, but fairly light. After letting that dry for a few hours, I finally applied a light coat of Minwax English Chestnut, quickly wiping away any excess. Here's the result, with a side by side comparison of the photo that Jon posted

 

 

[g8rfan]

Before really diving into the gun deck, I decided to go back and read through the BJ instructions once again. They make mention of two sheaves - the mainsheet and foresheet sheaves, which are located about midship. The position of these sheaves is only shown in the sail plan, which until now, I had not even looked at. Both sheaves are at gun deck level and I presume are only necessary if one plans to have sails on the ship. To be honest, I'm still not totally sure I want to tackle the challenge of putting sails up, but I figure I might want to put these sheaves in place just in case. As you all know, I'm a total newbie and know absolutely nothing about sailing ships, so I am asking advice from those of you who know a lot more. Are these sheaves really necessary? They are not present (that I can tell) on the current ship, and I hate the idea of cutting more holes into the side of the hull unless I have to. Any input will be greatly appreciated.

[JSGerson]

Quote

The position of these sheaves is only shown in the sail plan, which until now, I had not even looked at. Both sheaves are at gun deck level and I presume are only necessary if one plans to have sails on the ship. To be honest, I'm still not totally sure I want to tackle the challenge of putting sails up, but I figure I might want to put these sheaves in place just in case.

I got curious by your statement, "Both sheaves are at gun deck level..." According to Model Shipway's plans (see attached) , there are 4 (1927 version) sheaves per side in the spar deck bulwarks, not the gun deck. I believe you misspoked. The question as whether to include them or not to me at least, is a question of scale. At 1:96 they will disappear as they are black on black and very small. If it is a question of accuracy, yes I would put them in, just by drilling a couple of holes and a groove between them to simulate the sheaves. The sheaves are there whether or not the ship is rigged for sails; it's part of the hull.

 

The same argument could be made about the bow and stern boomkins. They are used only for the sail rigging. My model won't have sails, but I have added boomkins to the bow so far in my build. This is only my opinion, I like detail. It is what separates one model from another.

 

I hope this helps

 

Jon

Edited 9 hours ago by JSGerson

[g8rfan]

Thanks Jon,

You make a very good point about the accuracy of the ship, regardless of whether these are to be used or not. I too included the bumpkins at the bow, if for no other reason, that they are a very visual part of the ship as she appeared in 1812, and whether I use them or not, they are there. I have already installed the two aft sheaves, one of which is the mainsheet sheave and that one I have already placed at spar deck level. Considering this one is already there, it makes sense for me to include the foresheet sheave at mid ship. Now for the big question - where. The BJ plans clearly show them being in the gundeck area (see here, outlined in red)

The dotted lines indicate where the decks are. I checked the Revell model and they included two small holes, also gundeck level, for these two sheaves. I know that both BJ and Revell based their kits on her 1812 appearance, so maybe that is where the discrepancy is. Do you know the era that the MS plans are based on?