USS Constitution by lambsbk – Revell – 1/96 - PLASTIC – With Fiber Optics

[russ]

You were asking for the size of the gun tackle blocks right? That would be about 7 1/2-8" long. 1/16" inch is 6" long. So, you would need something about 5/64" long. Maybe 3/32" would work. That would be 9". However, you will need to make sure there is still room for the tackle line between the blocks. I would think a 9" block might be too large.

 

Russ

[lambsbk]

Thanks Russ. Yes that is the question. That agrees with my calculations as well. And you are correct, there is not much room for the tackle at this scale. I have decided to 'pre-compress' the hull to the final configuration to prevent these blocks and tackle from changing position when I install the Spar deck.

[russ]

I think you can afford to leave a little slack in the tackle lines on the gundeck. They would not be taut to begin with. Most likely they would have a small amount of slack.

 

Russ

[lambsbk]

Thanks Russ. I was planning on doing just that. The change of position I was referring to is the 1/8" or so that closes together and tightens up the Gun deck to the bulwark when the Spar deck is glued into position. Since the tackle is pretty close on tolerences I do not think I can afford a change of position by that much. I am hoping that pre-compressing the sides will prevent that change from occuring. Thank you very much for your insight and thank you for following my build.

 

Dave

[lambsbk]

I did not get much done tonight but I turned a couple of 300 gallon barrels for the galley area. I set them near there positions and will probably use only one. I still have to make their bases and secure them with line.

[russ]

Those barrels look pretty good. Did you add the staves on the outside of the barrel? The bands look very good.

 

Russ

[lambsbk]

They are actually pretty simple. The barrels are 1/2" oak dowels and the bands are electrical shrink wrap tubing which were shrunk into position with a hot air gun. The staves were gouged out of the dowel with a dremel.

[russ]

Wow. That sounds like a bit of work. The results are good.

 

Russ

[texxn5]

Hi Dave, here's a few pictures of the 24 pounder from Model Shipways.  It should give you a reference of scale.  It is 1:24 and if you need measurements let me know.  Hope this helps.

John

[texxn5]

This one is overhead looking down.

[russ]

Try this out. This is from the actual ship.

 

Russ

[lambsbk]

hmmm... I had assumed the B & W photo was from the 1860-70's based on the lantern style. The blocks in that photo definetly appear larger to me. I wonder if they have been down sized with time? Thanks John for getting these pics posted.

 

I had not seen the retraction tackle for the guns before and the buckets are a nice addition. Are they for powder or water? Either way I may take a stab at making some of them. 

Edited May 15, 2013 by lambsbk

[russ]

The tub would be for water to use when sponging out the gun.

 

That battlestation model is generic in nature. I am not sure what time period or country it represents.

 

Russ

[lambsbk]

Thanks Russ. I appreciate everyone's feedback.

[Azzoun]

Love the fiber optics, it adds so much life to the model. My Connie is my first modeling build since doing them as a kid so thinking outside the kit is definitely something I want to develop. As far as painting, I was attempting to go for a more weathered look since that's something else I hope to improve. Nice work!

[lambsbk]

Thanks Azzoun for the kuddos. Yes, it's kind of interesting how we have both restarted this hobby which we loved as kids...I wonder what changed? For me the kids are grown and life has settled down a bit...but I really just had a strong desire to finally build and FINISH this model. MSW forum has raised the bar of my build. Following other modeler's techniques has really turned it, at least on my build, into a desire to produce a work of art. Like you I am not very sure of my skill level and MSW really has helped support those insecurities in applied modeling technique. Good luck and thanks for watching.

[texxn5]

Hi, I know exactly what you mean.  I started this model when I was 19 in College...must be why I flunked out then....I was determined to eventually finish the model before I couldn't work on it any more.  My original was destroyed by an angry ex in 2007, so I started a new kit in 2009 and have now finished it.....whew, glad it survived this time.  MSW had been a Godsend.  Without it I don't think I would have finished it.....or at least finished it in short order.  I am very blessed to have found this group, and wish anyone working on one all the best.  Many start this......but few actually finish her.....

John

[lambsbk]

My original did not last as long as yours. Sadly, she was demasted (at least partially) when last I saw her.

 

I am still working on the gun deck of this build. I'll post a progress pic in the next few days (hopefully). Barrel and scuttlebutt. I have been a little slower of late. We got some new Laz-e-boy furniture this week and I have been trying to 'break them in'.

[texxn5]

Keep up the good work. It's amazing how we sometimes regress to the past so that we can make the future work....I'm glad ebay had a few inexpensive ships....good for parts after all these years. Give that Laz-e-boy a good workout....Sorry your's got demasted....

[lambsbk]

Well...some progress this week but not much. I worked on the Galley in preparation to putting in the mid section of the gun deck so I can move onto mounting the guns. The scuttlebutt has to be secured to the coaming near the galley in the forward section of the gun deck. I will need to thread the line through the coaming. I have finished making it and have reduced the barrel size to a more appropriate 150 gallon size. Hopefully I will have them lashed to the deck tomorrow.

Edited May 24, 2013 by lambsbk

[lambsbk]

Not much done so far this weekend. I did get the Butt and Barrel lashed to the gun deck and have dry fit the deck into position. Tomorrow I will put 'the squeeze' on the hull externally to align the deck and glue the sections together. Then on to the guns.

Edited May 27, 2013 by lambsbk

[lambsbk]

I have finished making the clamps to pre-stress the hull into position for both decks. There are 4 adjustment points (2 per side) which give me pretty good ability to adjust the lateral tension fore and aft, port and starboard. These clamps should hold until the Spar deck is glued.

Edited June 11, 2013 by lambsbk

[lambsbk]

Well I joined the gun deck sections today. I'ld just like to say "what was Revell thinking?" After glueing on tabs on the underside of the sections, keeping their relative heights the same and CAREFULLY trying to align the boards I still got just MARGINAL results. My hat's off to you guys that put the deck together first by glueing and sanding (and in some cases planking). Wooden models surely do not have these problems of alignment. ANyway, I posted a pic of the result.

 

I also just about finished the camboose. It still needs an ember tray but I did get it blackened so it can hold the paint. I need to thicken the legs a bit as well with some styrene.

[russ]

Your gundeck looks good. I cannot see the seams in the photos and they are usually quite prominent. I think you did just fine.

 

Russ

[texxn5]

Your gundeck looks outstanding. It's a far cry better than mine ever thought of being. Keep it up...looking good.

John

[texxn5]

I just remembered, one thing --- be sure your attachment for holding the bowspirit intact is glued very good.  When I attached mine it broke loose and I wound up fishing it out of the gundeck and not using it because I couldn't get to it after the main deck is installed.  The half round peg on the bowspirit didn't fit well and when I pushed a little too hard it came off.  Just a precaution....

John

[lambsbk]

Thanks Russ: actually it depends on the light. Hopefully it will be ok in the closed in deck with the lamps lit.

 

John: I already had that very peice give slightly when I pressure tested it. I reapplied liquid plastic cement and am HOPING it will hold. Thanks for the heads up.

[DCooper]

Installed gun deck looks great and your clamping system is robust and ingenious.  I am very impressed with the depth of colour you have achieved on the deck, outstanding.  I am enjoying your build immensely!

 

Thanks for sharing.

 

Dan

[ScottRC]

Superb work!

[lambsbk]

Thanks for the encouragement DCooper and ScottRC.

 

Today I finally got back to the gun tackle. The eyebolts from the Revell kit were about twice the size needed. When scaling the carriage eyebolts they came up to 3/64". (Revell's kit eyebolts are 5/64".)  Hmmm...well I had bought the camboose from Blue Jacket and there is a lot of other 'stuff' that came with it: brass transom, cable ties, hammock slings, and these...although I am not exactly sure what they are used for, they are 3/64"!

Edited June 5, 2013 by lambsbk