Model Shipways - 1/76 USS Constitution

I have heard the kit and plans are excellent, but a pretty big challenge for a first wood kit..

You might want to check out the practicum offered by Bob Hunt over at the College of Model Shipbuilding.

http://www.lauckstreetshipyard.com/collegecourse.html

I have heard good things about Bob's practicums..

I believe there are a couple of builders over at DryDock Models..

http://forum.drydockmodels.com/


You might want to ask around over there...

Hello Greg,

I can highly recommend any Model Shipways product, especially those designed by Ben Lankford (who did Constitution) or Eric Ronnberg. They come with excellent plans and directions.

That said, I would not recommend Constitution for someone's first wooden ship model. It is a rather large undertaking and, unless you have done a few plank on frame or plank on bulkhead models along with some extensive rigging of sailing models, I would suggest a simpler model to begin with such as the Armed Virginia Sloop. Lankford designed it and it makes up into a good sized model (31" LOA) and has the advantage of having one mast to rig as opposed to three. It would be a good model to begin with and at a much lower price that the Constitution.

Al Blevins

Hi guys,

Thank you very much for your input. I actually called my local hobby shop today and they advised the same as you Al... basically that the Constitution is way to difficult for a beginner. They recommended something simpler to start with. I like your suggestion Al... I have looked at this model no the net and it's quite nice... maybe that's the way to go.

Any ideas about what tools I'm gonna need? Preferred glues etc etc.? Just trying to get an idea for the cost of building it.

Is it true that Model Shipways instructions are the best from all the wood ship manufacturers?

Best,

-Greg

If you look at the ' Ship College ' link above ( I promise I am not affiliated ) the Freshman course is for the MS Armed Virginia Sloop .. The course seems to be very reasonably priced at $90.. If you email the proffessor, Bob Hunt, I'm sure he will be happy to tell you exactly what tools you may need.

I think you will find with that course, you will get a big jump on entering the world of wooden model ship building..

You will ultimately save a lot of time and money by not going through a lot of books and tools that you really don't need at this time..

Check it out..

Look forward to hearing what you decide, and how the project goes..

Greg,
I will add another bit of advice for a beginning shipmodeler that I usually provide. In my opinion, and it is only that, one should start with a solid hull model as opposed to plank on frame or plank on bulkhead. Unless you plan on finishing a model without painting, the end result is essentially the same. The reason I suggest this is that many new modelers get bogged down in the planking operation and give up. I have been building and scratchbuilding for over thirty-five years and I found that I had to take a break from building Model Shipways's POB Niagara...I scratchbuilt two solid hull models during the break. Model Shipways' solid hull New York Pilot Boat Phantom is an excellent beginning model. The hull builds up rather fast and it gives one experience in rigging a model with only two masts and minimal problems. At $49.99 it is a bargain and it makes a beautiful model.
As for tools, that is a difficult question. I purchased mine along the way as I found a need (or forecast a need) for a particular tool. An X-acto knife with #11 blades is an essential, small needle nose pliers, long tweezers, are a good start. As for glues, I use Elmer's white glue, cyanoacrylate (in both thin and gel form) and, to a much lesser extent, Duco household cement.
Good luck
Al