Hi ikar01,
Thanks for your reply! You may be right, there does appear to be some variations between the model descriptions but I can't tell if they're significant:
Revell/Monogram 1/96 U.S.S. Constitution ($53)
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXEH84&P=M
Kit builds to a decorative masterpiece over 3 feet long! A majestic, ready to assemble model engineered from plans provided by Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C.
Detailed captain's quarters complete with bulkheads, table, and bunks
Deck with capstan, wheel, life rails, and galley funnels.
Lifeboats with oars, davits and davit rigging.
Can be rigged with or without sails.
Unpainted miniature crew figures molded in multiple poses.
Vacuum-formed, off-white billowing plastic sails with realistic
cloth details.
Authentically scaled cannons.
Realistically molded deadeyes, blocks, pinrails, and anchors.
Molded black plastic hull with finely engraved details.
Detailed lifeboats with oars, davits and davit rigging.
Pre-formed ratlines.
Intricate stern and bow engravings.
Step-by-step assembly and rigging instructions.
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Revell AG/Germany 1/96 USS Constitution ($90)
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXKRY3&P=M
High-quality plastic parts molded with the highest level of
detail and accuracy.
Two-piece hull with scribed wood planking and copper plating.
Black thread used for standing rigging and tan thread for
the running rigging.
Pre-formed ratlines.
Vacuum-formed sails.
Well-appointed crow's nest.
Detailed cannons on gun carriages surround both the highly
detailed Gun Deck and Spar Deck.
Detailed captain cabin interior.
Highly detailed Spar Deck complete with boats, wood engraving
and cargo hatches.
Rudder rope runs free on the detailed wheel.
Nicely detailed Bowsprit, anchor and masts.
Crewmen figures molded in various poses.
Display stand with nameplate.
Flag chart and waterslide decals.
Illustrated assembly instructions.
Yikes! The German version is even pricier than I thought!