Scientific Models U.S.S. Constitution

warshipguy

Don,

Do you remember any of the detail issues with the kit?

Bill

Yeah, the fittings supplied were really cheap.  Fortunately, there was a great source of ship modeling supply, AJ Fisher, only a few miles from our house in Detroit, so for that kit I drove to Fisher's and bought some decent fittings (deadeyes and blocks).

Hello All,

I know there are 2 versions of the Scientific Constitution model - the older is smaller, less detailed and looks to be much more of a job to build.  The other model I am aware of was the "Bi-Centennial" ediditon (K300 I think), builds to 28" L, has a pre-carved either poplar or clear pine (rather than balsa as in the smaller kit) hull, much more and better detail in both wood and cast fittings.

I haven't built either (or many wood ship models for that matter, yet) but early Model Shipway, Marine Models, Tru Scale, etc. are a step or 2 above the larger kit.  It looks like Don has done a remarkable job on the kit!  Don, is your model the smaller kit or was the larger kit available before 1976?  If that is the smaller, then you are a MASTER BUILDER as the parts in that kit as supplied would make something more resembling a kids bathtub toy if well built (and something less attractive if not). 

That's my opinion and I am sticking to it...  unless I change my mind.

Don,

Do you remember any of the detail issues with the kit?

Bill

Got around to finding and scanning the photo I mentioned in above post.  Photo is dated 1957 but I am sure I built it a couple of years before that.  Didn't have a very good camera then, so pic is not very good.

Built it to give to my Dad, and he wanted a different paint scheme, so it is colorful but not very authentic :-(

Dan,

I'd love to see it!

Bill

Boy, what a memory!  I built that kit in the mid fifties. I believe I have a picture of it in a scrapbook.  I will try to find it to scan and post it.

One issue that I have with the kit is that I'm not sure of the period it is supposed to represent. All the spar deck guns are wheeled cannons; no carronades are present.  I believe that she was so armed when built but shortly after commissioning shifted to carronades on the spar deck.  But, there is no Herculean figurehead, which she carried until shot away at Tripoli.  I haven't looked closely enough at other details, I just put mine on a shelf in the basement and said thank you to my son for the gift.  I haven't had  the heart to sell it.

Bill

I've also got one that was given to me.   The fact that people give them away is probably a hint...

It has a blanked out solid hull that takes a lot of shaping and sanding.  I would suspect that's a big reason why so many first-time wooden ship modelers get bored and/or frustrated with it and give up.

I would categorize the kit as more of a "representation" rather than a scale model.  

That being said, it does provide the opportunity to learn and practice some wood modeling skills, but is going to take some serious time or effort to complete. 

If I ever finish mine I'll probably use it as a decorative piece on a bookshelf  or coffee table.

Mark

There are a couple of build blogs on the net, however I couldn't find any finished.

I had a Scientific Cutty Sark that I eventually gave to a friend who is more of a wood worker type.

I guess it depends on your priorities.

If you are looking for an accurate and detailed model, there are lot's of better and easier choices.

Looks like that kit might bring you or your friend $ 60 -$ 70 on ebay from a collector.

But, if you take the time and effort, I'm sure you'd be proud of the results.I for one would certainly be impressed.