USS Constitution by BRiddoch - Model Shipways - Scale 1:76

[BRiddoch]

I am building Model Shipways USS Constitution as she sits today.  I am using Bob Hunt's practicum.  I started the build in June of 2009.

Today is a holiday, I have a pot of coffee brewing and about 200 photos to upload.

Enjoy.

 

       Bob Riddoch

[JJT]

Thanks for rebuilding the log. I've been wondering how you are doing with your build.

[augie]

Thank you Bob for deciding to re-post.  I followed your build previously and think it's fantastic.  I was thinking of you when the site went dark as one of the folks who certainly faced MAJOR adverisity.  I recalled your mishap in bringing the ship out for a meeting and, coupled with the fact that your log was one of the stalwarts of the old forum, I didn't know if you'd come back.

 

I applaud your effort.  Enjoy your coffee.

[BRiddoch]

Thanks guys.  "Never give up the ship".

 

          Bob R.

[figuerres]

will enjoy seeing the build here ....

[BRiddoch]

Keel and frame build up.

 

       Bob R.

[patrickmil]

Bob, I'm happy to see you on the website again. Your build log was invaluable both as an inspiration and a practical guide.

[BRiddoch]

Transom and bow filler pieces.

 

            Bob R.

[BRiddoch]

Transom and bow framing along with waterway installation.

 

             Bob R.

[BRiddoch]

Transom and bow framing.  Bulwark planking.  Upper gunports cut.

 

        Bob R

[BRiddoch]

Inner and outer upper bulwark planking.

 

  Bob R.

[Bahamas Diver]

Bob,  I think your work space is much too neat 

[BRiddoch]

Gunport framing and planking.

 

 Bob R.

[BRiddoch]

Thanks David but remember these are old pictures.  You will see the progression of clutter along with the progression of Connie.

 

                       Bob R.

[jml1083]

Hi Bob,

 

Nice to see you are rebuilding your log. I've been following it for close to 2 years.

 

Jim

[BRiddoch]

Thanks Jim.

 

  Here I have planked the transom and stepped the masts along with making the hatch frames.  I ordered Swiss Pear from Jeff at Hobby Mill to manufacture the hatches.  Top quality stuff as always from Jeff. 

 

                 Bob R.

[BRiddoch]

Deck planking.  I used the supplied basswood which came with the kit. 

 

        Bob R.

[BRiddoch]

Completed deck planking and applied stain.  The stain was a mixture of black and brown paint applied as a wipe.  Once the deck was complete it was time to install the bulwark rivets.  The rivets were purchased from the Tichy Train Group and are .035".  Each rivet hole was individually drilled using a #77 Drill Bit (actually, about 20 drill bits).  Bulwarks were then painted that distictive Constitution green.

 

    Bob R.

[BRiddoch]

Green paint applied to the inner bulwarks.

 

   Bob R.

[BRiddoch]

Started installing the cap rails.  Got some nice boxwood from Jeff Hayes.  I wanted a harder wood to make the groove details in the rails.  Once the rails were installed, upper bulwark was planked, riveted, and painted.

 

               Bob R.

[Rustyj]

Hi Bob, This is fun. At least for me. Now I can relive your build. It's like having a flash back.

[CaptainSteve]

Bob's back !!!!

[BRiddoch]

Completed planking, installing and rivetting upper bulwarks.  Planked the transom counter and installed the base of the galleries.

 

           Bob R.

[BRiddoch]

Started hull planking.  Using basswood provided in the kit.

 

  Bob R.

[BRiddoch]

Completed hull planking and applied a few coats of Wipe-on Poly.

 

 Bob R.

[JSGerson]

Glad you are back. I'll be following Mr. Hunt practicum as well and your experience with it starting in about a year or so. I'm half way through the Mamoli Rattlesnake using Bob's practicum. So as soon as I take a small breather from that when it's complete, I'm off to the races again. Watching you follow him should help me.

 

Keep up the wonderful work and photgraphs

[BRiddoch]

Thanks JSGerson.

 

          Bob R.

[BRiddoch]

Built the stern gallery's, painted the hull, installed the windows and gallery trim and started preparing the transom for details.  I found that the Badger Brand of paint worked best for me.  Very thin and goes on smooth.

 

                  Bob R.

[riverboat]

Hi Bob....... Nice to see your build back up...... the hull planking looks really nice. I'll have to remember to keep tabs on your progress!!

Frank

[BRiddoch]

Thanks Frank.

 

Bob R.