Hello All MS Conny Builders of New:)

My name is Tom and I recently started the Model Shipways Constitution. It is my second model, the first being MS Bluenose.

My goal to this thread is to find other people working on this project who want to share their journey. More like a journal. I know there are tons of places to get our questions answered by experienced modellers, whether through this website, or books or periodicals. As I'm sure most of you are finding out, like me, it's the experience that is the real teacher.

I received my MS Constitution on backorder and noticed how quickly that kit was selling from Model Expo. So I figured there must be others that are just beginning to work on it.

I am very excited to be working on the Constitution. I find the history aspect of the ship and the period very interesting, but my primary joy is the actual art of modelling. Being in the moment with the task. As Ben L. wrote...Take each task as a project in and of itself. I'm a firm believer in that.

I am hoping this thread isn't redundant for all of you. I am sure there are many highly skilled and experienced modellers that will find this thread to be elementary. I know many modellers goal is to achieve the skills and ability to scratch build one of the great vessels. I have to admit the thought of scratch building interests me...but I realize I am so far from that point. I find the kits very challenging and enjoyable.

I am currently in the process of fairing the frames. Already a lesson I learned from Bluenose...how important it is to keep the keep perfectly straight and bulkheads perfectly perpendicular during this process. I'm close to finishing the bow, counter and stern filler blocks and am ready to work on the bow and transom framing, as well as Bow Knightsheads and Timberheads.

Oh yes, I also realize everybody works at different paces and sometimes we need to put our models away for a rainy day. I had to put Bluenose away for two years, but I always knew I would return. I'm hoping this link will encourage all MS Conny Builders to keep in touch, check in, say hello, and return to the joy of creating your ship.

A thank you to the people at Ship Modeling forum that encouraged me to start this thread. Did I mention I need this contact because I live in rural Minnesota, the ship modelling capital of the world ?

Tom

 

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Thanks for starting the log, Tom. I don't know that I've seen a build log for Conny, so I'll be watching this one.

 

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Thanks Ben. I noticed that the last Constitution Project Thread hadn't had a reply since last August. Based on what I've seen at Model Expo, there have to be quite a few people working on this kit.

 

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Tom:
I'll be watching also. I sent you a PM RE: your experiences so far. If the kit isn't too difficult, I may start it after Victory (in about a year!!) so you'll be way ahead of me.

Good luck with this project.

 

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Today I'm still in the process of fairing the hull. Slowly filing, sanding, adding battens and LOTS of visualization. Ben L. really did a nice job on the plans regarding the bevelling of bulkheads.

I discovered I was over zealous in my sanding of the stern blocks and therefore have had to shim to bring the blocks to their proper size and shape. Actually...more than over zealous...more of a misunderstanding of what the end shape should look like exactly. It's finally coming to me though...so on with the process.

I'm also searching into the possibility of adding some electical work. It must be accessible, yet discrete. Maybe some "lantern" light showing through the gunports, and a hanging lantern on a mast.

It will be a nice week doing morning yardwork, then work on Constitution while watching the Masters. No complaints here.

 

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Tom:
I don't recall the stern structure of the kit, is it solid or open? Lights in the Captain's cabin would be nice. I would suggest running your wires now before any planking begins.

 

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Hi James,

In the MS Kit I'm working on, it has a "stern filler" block on each side of the keel and supports a "counter block". Ther laser cute "stern frames" will be set upon this. MS reasoning is to give the planks, which will have an extreme bend at points, a solid surface to lay upon, helping to prevent cracking. I have no idea if this is new this kit or not.

And thanks for your idea about putting lighting in the captains cabin. I hadn't even thought of that and I think it would look very nice. I have a lot of research and planning to do if I pursue this...but I'm quite sold on the idea. I imagine I won't have to truly committ until deck planking...but I should have a plan of action soon. This is so exciting

 

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Hi Tom
,
My name is Lenny. I have been working on the Constitution for about 1 year now. It is a major project, but it is fun to do. You may e-mail me with any questions or comments. I am up to the chainplate and channels now. Looking forward to hear from you.

 

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Lenny:
Do you have photo's of your model? would enjoy seeing them. You're way ahead of us (Tom's framing and mines still in the box). Look forward to your input.

Tom: Let us all know what you decided on the lighting and the wiring plan.Have you started planking yet? You need to start a photo gallery too.

 

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