Constitution by Geoff Matson - Model Shipways 2040 - 1/76 scale

[6bucks]

Beautiful work Geoff. I hope mine looks half that good.

 

I started my MS Constitution a few weeks ago. I wish Model Shipways would have laser printed the bearding line and reference lines on the bulkheads though. It would have saved a ton of time trying to get them right from the plans.

It's been slow going for me but enjoyable so far.

 

Craig

Edited December 7, 2013 by 6bucks

[dgbot]

Looking good Geoff. You took Docs words to heart.  

David B

Edited December 7, 2013 by dgbot

[Geoff Matson]

Yes David that is great part about belonging to the club. It sure is great to exchange ideas with all the members

[HIPEXEC]

Geoff,

What's the best way to drill the holes on the deck for the three masts? On my first build, I had a devil of a time to get the masts (only two, not three) to line up fore & aft, and have the same rake. In the Connie's case perpendicular.

[Geoff Matson]

Just thought I would bring all up to date on my Conny.

 

I took some time off from modeling to get some stuff done. That being done I am now ready to get back to my rigging. Not a whole lot of pictures to show when all you are doing is making rope with my Jim Byrnes Ropewalk. I am almost finished with my Mast sub assemblies. I have all line done for the Foremast and Mainmast and am now working on the Mizzenmast. Using the Byrnes rope walk has given me the chance to make the rope in many different sizes and I am quite happy with the results. The only problem I have had with the Conny is that there is a lot of line  . I really mean a lot of line. Once I have finished the Mizzenmast I will post some pictures of where I am at.

[Modeler12]

Good to see your posting and getting back to your ship, Geoff.

Will be looking forward to seeing your progress and great work.

You are right about 'lots of line' and that's no lie.

I think I used twice as much line to do what I have so far. Not only the mistakes, but all that extra for 'just in case'. Even then I short changed myself a couple times.

Edited March 25, 2014 by Modeler12

[dgbot]

Geoff,  I remember at Kurt's place how talked about your new ropewalk.  I take it you are even happier with it now.

David B

[texxn5]

Welcome back, good to see your progress soon.

[CaptainSteve]

Looking forward to watching as you complete this beautiful work !!

[Geoff Matson]

I took some time from rigging and made a proper case for my ropewalk

 

 

Edited April 15, 2014 by Geoff Matson

[texxn5]

Now that's a nice set up...envious for sure...

[Geoff Matson]

Here is how I set up my rigging process. I make the rope on the ropewalk and use the serving machine to serve and seize my line and install the line on the Masts

 

Edited April 15, 2014 by Geoff Matson

[texxn5]

Hey Geoff, outstanding shop area. How about some photos of the rest of your shop set up, it could give us some ideas on setting up our own. Really great work space. Thanks man,

[Geoff Matson]

Thanks for your interest in my shop. Now don't laugh but my shop is in my bedroom. Here are a couple of pictures

 

 

 

 

The shop area is just along one wall and the rest is the bedroom. Just a small farm house.

 

 

Edited April 16, 2014 by Geoff Matson

[WackoWolf]

I wish mine was back in my bedroom, I sure would get more work done. Now that I am in another place it is downstairs and I am having surgery on the right knee this time and then they have to go back to the left knee again to find out what is wrong, I have been using the laptop upstairs because the stairs are killing me going up and down them. Will have the surgery on the 15th of May and then see how things are from there. This does suck believe me, I want my old shop back LOL.

[dgbot]

I hope everything goes well.  I go next week for a 3 week procedure to extract and harvest stem cells.

David B

[GLakie]

Amazingly beautiful work Geoff. Really inspiring! I have a  couple questions about using Bob Hunt's Practicum. It's been my understanding that he gives you the option to substitute the basswood for harder woods in numerous places and I'm probably going to be going that route at least with the hull and deck planking, rails, and some of the deck furniture. #1---About how much cash would be invested in doing this? #2---Right now,he's offering the complete practicum package for $300 US, and I'm wondering if you believe they are a worth-while investment?

 

Looking forward to more posts of this amazing work.

 

Cheers

George

Edited September 18, 2014 by GLakie

[Guest Tim I.]

Geoff,

 

I am in awe of your build. I will be eagerly following along!

 

- Tim

[Burroak]

Geoff your doing a great job on your ship. I ordered mine on September 6, 2015 from Model Expo and haven't received it as of yet. Your painting detail is fantastic. Could you give us some pointers on how you do that fine line painting on your ship. Thanks for a great job.

[Geoff Matson]

My Conny has been on hold for some time now because I was just burned out and not happy with the way things were turning out. To me the rigging just looked over sized. After much time I decided to re do the rigging. So from this point forward will be my new progress. All rigging will be done with my Byrnes rope walk. Here is my progress so far with bowsprit.

 

 

 

 

This is the rigging sp far before trimming all the tales

Edited November 24, 2015 by Geoff Matson

[usedtosail]

Great to see you back Geoff. The bow sprit rigging looks great so far.

[GLakie]

Good to see you back at it Geoff.  Got the same ropewalk myself, but haven't had any time to put it through any rope-making trials yet.  I'll be interested in your results. 

[dgbot]

Too bad I cannot be there to see your work Geof.  How do you like the rope walk?

David B

[CaptainSteve]

'Tis great to see you are back and working on your magnificent Connie again, Geoff.

[Modeler12]

This is great work, Geoff. 

It looks like you are doing part of the bow rigging on the bench. Good idea.

It is a bit easier to get to those tiny blocks for the jib sheets, etc.

Keep it up.

[Geoff Matson]

I finished up my off model rigging of the bowsprit I think I will mount the bowsprit last so I can lessen my chances of breaking it off. Here are some of tools I use for my rigging. I dilute with white glue with water and apply it to the rigging using the paint brush. With the cotton rigging the glue absorbs into the cotton for a clean contact.

 

 

Here are few pictures of the finished bowsprit.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

When you live with a St. Bernard you have to remove a few white hairs from everything.

Edited November 28, 2015 by Geoff Matson

[Geoff Matson]

Here is a picture with the Bowsprit just dry fitted on the Conny.

 

 

 

Edited November 28, 2015 by Geoff Matson

[GLakie]

Looking sweet Geoff! 

[Burroak]

Geoff you have a really nice workspace for ship building or should I say laboratory. Looks like you have everything in arms reach. I'm envious.

 

Greg H.

[HIPEXEC]

Great work!!