USS CONSTITUTION by Watto - Revell - 1:96 Scale - PLASTIC

[Watto]

hello all

 

lets rebuild this log.

 

The kit in all its glory, awaiting a fool to play with her

 

SPrues were washed to clean off the releasing agent. Noting the size the bath was the easiest option

 

I started with the tedium of building all 55 guns

 

Hull was cleaned up and clamped together. Little warping was evident and it came together nicely

 

Onto priming and practice with the airbrush. I am using citadel and Vallejo paints, as I like working with acrylic.

TA DA!

 

Following most peoples lead, I clamped the deck pieces together to remove the seams

 

Some detail work whilst the deck dries. I am really trying to force myself to allow the glue to dry completely for critical areas. Good thing theres heaps to do

 

Rudder was then installed

 

I have decided to clad both decks with basswood strips, it looks alot better than the etched in wood grain

 

I used Ogryn flesh was for the stain, came up nicely

 

Bulking out the hatch comings

 

Adding shot racks to the gun deck

 

Some deatil work on the rudder and chainplates

 

Following Force9's lead, I ordered some PE plates from Bluejacket.inc. Its a pity the stern plate doesnt actually fit to scale.

 

You can't have a Conni without her famous stern chasers

 

Laying bricks for the Camboose platform

 

 

Sternplate was installed and detail started

 

Ordered an Amati ropewalk to use for all the lines needed, including making my own shrouds and ratlines

 

I reinforced the rudder tiller with some scrap brass to ensure smooth turning

 

Grain of rice bulbs were installed to light up the gun deck

 

The gun deck goes in, and it fit! used some of the Admirals hairbands to squeeze the hull together

 

shot racks were filled

 

Captains cabin was painted, trimmed and installed

[slagoon]

I'm glad you have this back up - my husband got this kit for Christmas from his father so I keep looking for other Constitution for him to use as reference. Question, what is the purpose of the parts in the bath?

 

The build is looking nice.

[Watto]

You need to wash off the releasing agent of the sprues that's used to remove them from the molds. Noting the size of the kit, the bath was easier than the sink

[slagoon]

Oh that makes sense! thanks!

[Watto]

Just a quick update

 

Port covers have gone in, giving us a first look at my hand made rope. Guns should be in by the end of the week

[Marcus.K.]

Another great Consti to follow .. As I said: one day I will too build this fine ship .. Have fun and be sure - we will watch and learn!

[kmgreene]

I am going to be joining the ranks, and start a USS Constitution build soon, i saw you  washed all the parts off in your bathtub, i would never have thought of that.  Shes looking very beautiful by the way, but a question for you, what was your process for that? just let it soak in the water or did you soap the water up a tad? Silly question, but id rather ask a silly one than not ask the question at all.  Any other tips you have for me before i get started?  The anticapation is building but i want to make sure im prepared.  I love the history of this ship and want to do it right.  You and the other builders on this forum have been an inspiration and given me proper motivation to do something ive always wanted to do.  Thanks!!!

[Watto]

Soak in luke warm water, washed with soapy cloth and rinse and dry.

 

Other tips. Plan your modifications and kitbashing early and order your parts in Well before they are needed.

Good tools make a difference too. Heaps of clamps, files, drill bits, sandpaper, emeryboard. A rotary tool is a good investment.

Revell needle point glue is a must.

I havent started on rigging, but the supplied thread and shrouds are crap. Im making my own with an amati (model shipways) rope walk

[Watto]

Time for another update.

 

Lets turn this ship into a warship!

 

firstly, needed some 60" lengths of rope, time to find out the limts of the rope walk

 

After that it was a simple but tedious process to mount and string up the guns

 

 

I used some barrels to camoflauge the lights as lanterns

 

 

I wanted to extend the great cabin to closer to the prototype, so a chinese container was canabilised and liad with basswood strips

 

 

And once you have a new cabin you need to furnish it, in this instance with some HO scale tables and chairs

 

 

[RadMan]

Cool build.  You've said you eliminated seems between the pieces of the gun deck, then lined the top with wood.  Is this now one large piece?  If so, how do you get it inside the ship?

[texxn5]

Glad to see your build.  I love seeing your wood planked decks.  That is the most important thing I would have changed on my model, but unfortunately I was way past that point when I thought of it....duh!   The other thing I would have done is replace the plastic belaying pins with brass ones.  That would have made rigging much easier and better.  Mine is finished now, but I'll be following your build.  Good luck and keep up the good work.

John

[vacotton]

Hi Watto,

I have also built a great room in my build.  Where did you find the furniture?  I have looked all over and can't find them.

Thanks,

Verne (vacotton)

[Watto]

Hi all,

 

sorry for the lack of updates, been slow at the shipyard with raising a very active baby.

 

Firstly, @Vacotton = I Ebay-ed HO scale furniture, closest thing to 1:96 scale.

 

Now onto the update, its amazing what you can get done with a week off sick.

 

Firstly, mainsail sheets were fitted

 

Time was to add some life to this model, in the form of some crew!

 

Next was to add some light to the wardroom in the form of a skylight

 

The Spar deck was then clamped together and laid with basswood

 

Then stained, this time with Devlan mud, as it isn't called the weatherdeck for nothing. Note shot racks were added.

 

Then the deck was finally fitted to the hull

 

Finally, some MOAR guns!, plus other fittings such as the WORKING wheel and fiferails

 

Stay tuned for more (but don't hold your breath)

 

 

 

 

[gleason]

is  this still an active build?

 

where did you obtain the figurines?

 

hope to see more...