1/96 scale USS Constitution build.

[Tim A.]

Man that's tall!

Constition's main mast is 220 ft. Not sure if that's an overall height from keel to tip.
The model barely fits under my workbench's over head light.

 

[Heavens Eagle]

Hey Tim, I ran across this the other day. It is an old Norman Rockwell painting called "A Good Boy" or also, "The Shipbuilder". Enjoy!

 

[Tim A.]

Hey Tim, I ran across this the other day. It is an old Norman Rockwell painting called "A Good Boy" or also, "The Shipbuilder". Enjoy!

View attachment 154858

Reminds me of myself, way back, late 1960's, watching my Dad work on his Constitution model

 

[Tim A.]

All of the mast's and bowsprit standing rigging is done. I feel like I'm making some progress on this thing now
I take great pains to keep the lines knots as unnoticeable as possible. I've also made it possible for me to be able to adjust the tension on as many of the lines as possible as the build goes on. As I mentioned before, I want to wait as long as possible to add the shroud's ratlines.
Next is the yards, ship's boat's davits and running rigging.
Time wise I think the model will be completed this time next year

 

[Tim A.]

Adding the stun'sl boom lashing on the lower fore and main mast yards.

 

[moon puppy]

Love it!

 

[Tim A.]

Love it!

Thanks Bob

 

[Tim A.]

 

[Rhino]

See here the jungle of intricate rigging that my much smaller sailing vessels do not attempt to display.
Will all the yard's sport stun'sl yards?
USS Constitution's chances of leaving the house seem to be shrinking as you go, Suh.

 

[Tim A.]

See here the jungle of intricate rigging that my much smaller sailing vessels do not attempt to display.
Will all the yard's sport stun'sl yards?
USS Constitution's chances of leaving the house seen to be shrinking as you go, Suh.

I'm going to put the booms on all the yards that have them in the stowed position. The model will be displayed as a waterline diorama. It will be at anchor with sails furled. I chose not to cut the hull. Instead I'm going to cut the hole in the "water" base.
That's why I haven't been concerned with the copper below the water line.

 

[moon puppy]

The model will be displayed as a waterline diorama.

Now that'll be taking it to the next level. We never see the tall ships in such a display

 

[Heavens Eagle]

Looking really good Tim! Keep up the good work!

 

[Tim A.]

Now that'll be taking it to the next level. We never see the tall ships in such a display

We have a large black lacquer two door cabinet that Constitution's glass display case will set on top of. It will put the viewing height at about the same as in the last three pics.

 

[Tim A.]

See here the jungle of intricate rigging that my much smaller sailing vessels do not attempt to display.
Will all the yard's sport stun'sl yards?
USS Constitution's chances of leaving the house seem to be shrinking as you go, Suh.

I haven't fitted the spanker boom to see how far it extends past the stern. But yes, things are getting tight on my workbench. Because I constantly have to flip the model around to tie opposite side lines I keep catching the jib boom on the wall, magnifying light or me...lol. I'm glad I replaced the plastic one with wood.

 

[Tim A.]

I have decided now is the time to add the ratlines to the upper mast's shrouds. I also have all of the sheer poles on the shrouds. Made them using piano wire. They're very thin but very stiff. You can make them out running along above the deadeyes. Second pic shows they are not much larger in diameter then the one coarse of ratline thread I ran on the lower foremast.

 

[moon puppy]

Amazing

 

[Tim A.]

Amazing

Into the nitty gritty of this build now. I'm beginning to think I might just see it through to the bitter's end!...see what I did there? "Bitter's end" the name given for the length of rope past a loop. Mostly related to the anchor line.

 

[Tim A.]

Paint on the top yards.

 

[Tim A.]

Paint on the top yards

 

[Heavens Eagle]