USS Constitution Build; Model Shipways; Stutz Wimmer
This is my second model ship build. (I first built a Constructo version of what we think the Mayflower looked like. It is also posted: • Mayflower Ship Model B...
The music I've used has nothing at all to do with either the historical timing of Constitution's construction, or the composer's relevance to anything American, aside from our enduring love of his music. But it does feature cannons. And I hope the piece is at least recognizable by most who may wish to check it out. It also, I think, provides a suitable sound-vibe for viewing this build log.
I set out by purchasing the Model Shipways kit. Its creators have done a really good job of supplying the materials and plans necessary to get underway. But, as is generally experienced by builders of advanced models from kits, there remain a significant number of head-scratching problems to solve, accessory materials to supplement, and a whole host of solutions to improvise your way through in getting to the end. I have to admit that the plans included are pretty darn good, so far as two-dimensional plans go...there are 8 pages of drawn-to-scale blueprints in the kit. But still, in many cases I was unable to determine what was being described by studying the prints alone. I discovered Model Ship World www.modelshipworld.com. which was truly liberating. There, I found hundreds of detailed explanations posted by builders from around the world who had faced similar challenges. Without the guidance this community of modelers enthusiastically share among their tribe, I probably would not have been able to complete the model.
All told, it took 2 1/2 years to build, more or less. I was in no hurry. (I am on old-guy time... purely a labor of love.) I worked most mornings for a couple of hours. The routine I established became a pleasant and rewarding way to start my day. Oh...one important credit: my wife Carla hand-painted all the intricate scrollwork you see on the bow and stern, which required such small detail that she used a brush with a single hair. A local jeweler and good friend Pat, created the 1/4" gold-plated catheads on the anchor davits. It takes a village, and I am grateful to them both for doing what I have neither the patience nor the skill to do.
I built the case after the ship was done, designed to fit the designated space in our home. It's made mostly of poplar and oak plywood, ripped, cut, routed, drilled and sanded to shape . The job required lots of power tools and finishing products. I used tempered glass, knowing it would be in such close proximity to a billiards table often used by our unbridled and not always spatially aware grand kids. So far, so good. She still stands...and they do stop to another, and another look as they play. Good, I think....
Пікірлер: 32
bellissimo e grandissimo lavoro !!!!! Complimenti
A truly exceptional build!! Thank you for sharing your incredible build with us!
Incredible. I’m floored. The level of detail and realism is stunning.
@ewedude
6 ай бұрын
Thank you!
Captain Stutz: AMMM-AYY-ZINGGG ! Crafted with the sort of skill that only a sax-throated Wimmer could accomplish. Your consummate attention to detail is like ... uh ... WOW ! I'm proud to know ya, Matey ! Avast ye swabbies and man the Poop Deck !
Superbe !
Very Impressive Stutz! Incredible amount of detail! I just started mine and agree with the previous comment it's "inspiring and terrifying!
Awesome build my friend keep up the good work 👍
This is so amazing it makes me wonder if there was ANYTHING you wish you did differently?
Beautiful job
Well done!
What a beautiful result. I was just given this kit as a gift and your video is equal parts inspiring and terrifying!
@ewedude
Жыл бұрын
You'll love the process, assuming you are in no hurry. Lots of problems to solve and patience required. I highly recommend you familiarize yourself with www.modelshipworld.com (where you first establish a free account) and search for a builder who goes by the name XKen. His is among the most thorough build logs I found. I honestly would not have been able to fully interpret all the intentions found within the 8 pages of blueprints provided with the kit, were it not for his examples. Good luck!
An absolutely beautiful build! USS Constitution is the oldest commissioned frigate warship still in military service by the USN to this day.
@ewedude
7 ай бұрын
Thank you!
Beautiful work!
@ewedude
10 ай бұрын
Thank you!
A masterpiece
Great work! You must be incredibly proud of the work you put in. It's crazy to think that our Navy still operates that ship. Even if it is only for educational purposes.
@ewedude
Жыл бұрын
True, and thanks for the compliment. Was a labor of love. If you haven't already done so, you should visit the actual ship in Boston harbor sometime. Still impressive.
What a beauty!..I remember all of the hundreds of wonderful hours I spent over the 10 years I spent building my Norske Love. I am building the Revell constitution which is not quite accurate, but representative of the original ship. Congratulations on your achievement.
@ewedude
5 ай бұрын
Kind words! Thank you. And good luck with your version of the Constitution.
You do such an amazing job. I love working with wooden model ships. I wish I could afford the wooden USS Constitution. It's on my bucket list. Again, you do beautiful work!
@ewedude
9 ай бұрын
Thank you!
Truly Amazing Build > from an aspiring model maker.
@ewedude
10 ай бұрын
Thank you! Patience and tenacity win the day.
What a wonderful job. Well done. Uncle Sam had offered me a deal that if I reenlisted my shore duty would be orders to Old Ironsides. It was a tough decision but in the end decided to take a pass. Not sure if that was the best choice.
@ewedude
10 ай бұрын
Thank you! Labor of love. I'd suspect one tour of duty is enough, despite the offer to spend lots of time on that beautiful and historic ship.
Beautifully done! I am wanting to get into wooden ship modeling and have a crazy idea to do all of the original 6 frigates of the US Navy. Looking at your work puts it in perspective. I think the rigging looks the most intimidating to me. :)
@ewedude
8 ай бұрын
Probably not a crazy idea, provided you have the time (years) and patience. The rigging was actually one of the most enjoyable aspects of the project. Many trips to the hobby shop and fabric store to find just the exact material for the tasks. Much of the rigging supplied with the kit is fine, but there are many problems to solve on your own. Again, I found the Model Ship World site incredibly helpful. Best wishes!
A very impressive model for only your second ship. I am building the same model, and can only hope mine approaches yours in quality. I have been working on mine for about 6-7 years now, and am about 12 boards away from completing the planking. In my experience, it isn't that this model is incredibly difficult, it just takes a lot of time to do.
@ewedude
Жыл бұрын
It takes lots of time for sure. A great project for long-term goal setting and enjoyment. I'm glad I invested the time...I never fail to yield to the glance it draws each time I walk past. Art.