New to the Wooden Ship Assembly/Build Community

[rturcic72]

Hi, my name is Rob. I am a retired Mustang Navy Commander, 30 years. I promised myself after I retired from the Navy, that I would build a wooden model ship as a reminder of my service and the Navy's rich traditions from the last couple of hundred years. Six years after retirement, I finally took the leap of faith and started with the USS Constitution from Model Expo.

 

I grew up building lots of models, primarily plastic military aircraft and Navy ships. Am I an expert, not by a long stretch when I see some of the amazing talent that is out there and how this hobby has progressed over 40 years. I love it and find it relaxing to read, research, build, and take your time in creating your own work of art.

As a young Naval Officer, I remember the first time visiting the USS Constitution in Boston Harbour and was completely fascinated by her history and the symbol of today's Navy. I had gone into the museum which had the gift store and remember seeing a man inside a workshop building a wooden ship in the same vein as the USS Constitution. He sat building this model in a room that could only be viewed by windows to the outside of the shop. The moment I saw this, I was, "that's what I want to do after I retire as a hobby."

Luckily, I discovered that we can actually buy the entire kit and build it. As a new Ensign, I almost fell over when I saw the price tag was over $1200...and I understand why now, after all these years about why that is. Suffice it to say, I bought the kit, replenished my modeling paints and tools and then some because I was aware of extra woodworking tools and glues to use for the project.

 

I started building about 4 weeks ago and I must admit, it is a bit more challenging than I expected. Reading the blueprint of the actual ship-build is a little different that reading a regular diagram or schematic. Luckily there are some resources online via video or with pictures and explanations including advice on how to do it. I will be adding photos periodically showing progress, even if it doesn't look pretty.

 

On the weekend, I completed the bulkheads and bevels and shored up the bulkhead, so everything aligns on the port and starboard side of the ship...the reference lines worked out well because it's easy to sand down the center keel a hair wider to ensure the bulkhead reaches the bearding line.

 

Right now, I am getting ready to build the bow and stern filler blocks as well as the counter-block in the stern. It is very intimidating to read and/or create. This is where I've seen tricks from cutting and sanding wood blocks to using expandable foam and shaping it if your blocks of wood become a casualty if you mess up the block of wood royally, lol. Is it an honest shortcut to make it easier, or is it frowned upon using the foam to almost create the same thing without the blood, sweat, and tears of your hand wood carving tools? If anyone has thoughts about this particular question, I would be interested on what other users' opinions that have gone through this.

 

I look forward to being a part of the forum of like hobbyists and enjoying the journey. Something I have to remember is that in the beginning, it's not going to look pretty and there's plenty of time to correct all sorts of problems like my Bearding line and Rabbett looking ugly compared to some really nice pictures out there. I just need to sand it smoothly a little bit and come as close as possible.

 

Best regards,

Rob

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Current Build:
MS2040: Model Shipways USS CONSTITUTION 48" LONG 1:76 SCALE

 

Next Wood Build on the Shelf:
16002: OcCre MISSOURI 53" LONG 1:200 Scale Wood and Metal Ship Model Construction Kit

 

Next Non-wood Model Build:
KNE48075: Kinetic US Navy EA-6B PROWLER Aircraft 1:48 Scale (Plastic)
07252: Hasegawa EA-18G GROWLER Aircraft 1:48 Scale (Plastic)
300061114: Tamiya Grumman F-14A TOMCAT Aircraft 1:48 Scale (Plastic)
26231: Italeri Lockheed S-3 VIKING Aircraft 1:48 Scale (Plastic)
12703: Academy MH-43E SEA STALLION Helicopter 1:48 Scale (Plastic)
04258: Trumpeter USS FORREST SHERMAN DDG98 Guided Missile Destroyer 1/350 Scale (Plastic)
78007: Tamiya USS ENTERPRISE CVN-65 Aircraft Carrier 1/350 Scale (Plastic)

[ccoyle]

Welcome aboard, Rob!

[CPDDET]

Welcome! Lots of experience and help here. 

Take your time, work only when you feel like it, know when to put things and walk away for a spell.

[SkiBee]

Welcome CDR, it is hard to retire after a good career, I know, I was a 40-year mustang.  You are a braver man than I to start with the constitution, I started a lot slower, for me I think it worked better.

BLUF: If you aren't enjoying your build, take some time off.

1. The key recommendation is to take your time and enjoy, even if you have to walk away from time to time.

2. Only you will be able to identify any mistake you make, everyone else will think it looks great (putty solves many problems).

3. Build logs do contain a lot of information and helpful recommendations. 

4. Don't be afraid to ask a question in your log or message someone with a question.  I am currently building the Armed Virgina Sloop, I have found one build log that really helps me, and I ask the author a lot of questions.

5. I also found that the practicums from Luck Street Shipyards ( https://syrenshipmodelcompany.com ) extremely helpful, a bit pricy but worth it.

 

Fair Winds and Following Seas

[Knocklouder]

This is the place to be,!!

Bob M.

[Ryland Craze]

Welcome to Model Ship World Rob.  You have come to the right place to build your Constitution,  We are here to help you with your build.

[Wawona59]

A warm welcome to MSW!  You've taken on quite a challenge.  I built the Revell plastic Connie when I was a kid, many moons ago.  When my parents sold their house the buyer wanted all of my models included in the sale.  Thus went my Connie.  I'll build another Connie hopefully, but not likely at my age.

 

I hope you get a chance to check out the outstanding Connie build logs on MSW. 

 

[Mike Collier]

Hello how are you? How do you like retirement? I’ve been retired for 5 years and love every minute of it. I build wooden boats many working boats and armor models. Where are you located?

[GrandpaPhil]

Welcome!

[Baker]

[Ronald-V]

Welcome!  

[Keith Black]

 Rob, welcome to MSW. Glad to have you aboard. 

[Jim Lad]

hello Rob, and a warm welcome to MSW from 'Down Under'.

 

John