Old Ironsides

There is an old Kalmbacj book by Les Wilkins, form the 1980 or so period, title "Building Plastic Ship Models". Get a copy of that book-- the main project in the book is the big Revell Constitution. A tip I remember:
Use metal eyebolts instead of the plastic ones on the deck-- they are a lot stronger. (Model Expo and Billings sell them, I think.)

Another great resource for sailign ship builders is the Seaways mailing list. (The list for the wooden ship modelrers.) Over the last few years, a number of good tips have come up there as well. For example:

Know which period you want to model. as bult, in 1812, post-1815, 1840s, after the 1927 refit, or current configuration?
Consider replacing some of the fragile plastic topmasts with wood. If you do that, don't use dowels- they'll warp over time, 'cuz the grain isn't straight. Instead, start with a straight-grained square length of wood, and turn a mast from it.
( A search of the Seawys archive will turn up lots of tips like this.)
HTH,
-Bill

The Revell kit is definately worth the money. I'm currently building the model and it is very impressive. Painting the detailing is time consuming but worth the effort. Jack, I might be contacting you about the rigging.... any advice up front?

Thanks, Joe

Well with your emplyee discount or at cost that would be better than ebay. Please email me with any questions you might have, I've built the model about 8 times for my clients.

Jake

TNX Big Jake!
I'l have a look at Ebay, but since im from sweden shiping a box that size probably eats up any costsavings.
And besides that i work in a local hobby shop on the weekends ;)

Oh, the revell kit is worth the money, but try to get one off ebay first for less than $75.00 the going rate at a hobby store. Models are good, but as with any plactis kit, you still will need to make a few adjustments. One of the more prominate items missings in the Gangway carving. Here is a link where to see it at.

http://www.ussconstitution.navy.mil/Qdeck.htm

each side of the ship had a set of these.

what kit are you building it from or are you gooing to scratchbuild it?
i was wondering, cuz I'm thinking about picking up the 1:97 old ironside from revell and wondered if it is worth the money. ( ie. status on the molds and so on)

// Claes