CSS Alabama

Cytorg,

I may be mistaken about Admiral Semmes having been a Mason. I can't find where I read that.

I'll try to find out for sure. I would like to see photos of the two you built if you still have them.

 

 I found the cannons/carriages here...

http://www.bluejacketinc.com/fittings/fittings15.htm

 

I hope you both post some pictures of your builds!

I did not know Admiral Semmes was a Mason.  Yes, I'd like to find correct boats for it also.  This will be my 3rd build on this so I want it as correct as possible.  I built it once back in the '60's, again 3 years ago and will probably start on it by May, hopefully.  So I'm hoping to glean as much info from everyone as I can before I start.

I'm looking foward to seeing Wibure's finished product. I have finshed mine expeet for the running  rigging and sails. I was plannig to use some cotton muslin for the sails and display it with them rolled up. This ship is sort of a test run. I am going to diplay this one  in the  Masonic Lodge that I am a member because Admiral Semmes was a Mason. Then later I may build me one to display at my house.

   Cytorg, on the standing rigging I used a black #10 and #30 100% cotton crochet thread. For the running rigging I'm going to use the same in tan theard. I found that string that came with the kit was pure junk it will not hold a knot at all. I also heavly waxed my theard with beeswax. I live in Alabama and did not want the high humidity to affect it. I hope this helps you.  Wilbure may have a better source .Where did you find the replacement guns? I did not know they were so bad till I saw the drawings in the book you mentioned. Also look at he boats that came with your kit.The two that they call whale boats do not look like the ones in the drawing.

Mark

I couldn't say for sure. I brought the Revell shroud thread with me to a craft sewing store, in order to compare it and just bought a smaller diameter thread. I actually bought 4 spools of different diameter thread for use whenever. Thread is relatively cheap. I also tested it for strength in the store (easy enough to do)........I bees-waxed every line on the ship as well.

I'm going to be doing this one soon also.  You might check out CSS Alabama: Anatomy of a Confederate Raider.  It has some great information on the ship.  I'm going to replace the cannons and carriages and scratch build some deck housings to bring mine closer to the original Alabama. 

 Wilbur..What diameter thread did you use on yours?

I have finished mine about a month ago. I will have photos up within a few weeks as I have a film camera. I did not use the kit ratlines, I just rigged straight thread in a scale smaller than the shrouds. I also replaced the Revell crap hemp, with a more in scale natural color thread for the running rigging. I set the sails after much work to get them colored and weathered correctly.

I'm very pleased with the build. The kit I got was a horrendous mold.

You will see it soon.