USS Constipation 1/120 scale Imai long suffering build

[JR]

Thanks Tim, yes can't wait to dry brush and see the results. As it is now it also looks okay.


Thank you Jim, detergent breaks the surface tension and lets the water spread and adhere to the surface. It takes getting used to and there's no fear it will ruin the underlying paint work.

I've cleaned up all the wash and preparing for a layer of varnish for protection...

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The black calking in between the planks is now more visible...

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The cutip not only helps with blending but also gets into the tight spaces.

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The wash was also applied to the steps and side gangway pillars. I wonder if I should paint the nails black or dark metal...

Cheers,
Richard

Thanks for the tip on the use of the washing up liquid, yes that tide mark is annoying Richard .

[rtfoe]

Not sure the nails were dark metal. They were continually soaked in salt water in heavy seas, so would rust really quickly if they were iron. I would guess they were copper or wooden pegs….

Tim, I'll check with images from the restored Constitution to see what color are the pegs/nails.

Cheers,
Richard

[rtfoe]

Holy stoning would lighten any deck. Would assume pegs but don't know as the description of how spar deck planking was fastened is unclear if they would be visible regardless.

Paul, the molding has nail or rivet heads at the plank ends that I may need to paint over the Radom Tan.

Cheers,
Richard

[rtfoe]

Outstanding Richard. Top notch work!!

Just looking at that rigging is giving me to the heebie-jeebies!! :surprised: :loudly-crying:

Keep up the great work.

ATB.

Andrew

I think that's where it got constipated for me Andrew.

Thanks for the tip on the use of the washing up liquid, yes that tide mark is annoying Richard .

You're welcome John.

Cheers,
Richard

[Bobby Conkers]

I gave this kit away to a nephew last year. Looking at this, I'm beginning to regret it...

Beautiful work on the deck, bookmarking for my own reference!

[Mini Me]

Ship nails were made of brass......I had a friend in school who's father dove on wrecks with the National Geographic down in the Caribbean back in the 60's. Brought back lots of interesting "finds" including a bucket of brass ship nails. Hope this helps. Rick H.

[rtfoe]

Ship nails were made of brass......I had a friend in school who's father dove on wrecks with the National Geographic down in the Caribbean back in the 60's. Brought back lots of interesting "finds" including a bucket of brass ship nails. Hope this helps. Rick H.

It surely helps, Rick. Brass doesn't rust but oxidizes to near black or dull copper in color. Will look up some references.

Cheers,
Richard

[rtfoe]

I gave this kit away to a nephew last year. Looking at this, I'm beginning to regret it...

Beautiful work on the deck, bookmarking for my own reference!

Thanks Andy, ouch...lucky nephew.

Cheers,
Richard

[Mini Me]

Hi Richard, these nails had actually turned green from exposure to salt water....I believe the reaction is refered to as verdigris. HTH Rick H.

[rtfoe]

Hi Richard, these nails had actually turned green from exposure to salt water....I believe the reaction is refered to as verdigris. HTH Rick H.

Ah green...yes thanks much like copper as well.

Cheers,
Richard

[minitnkr]

Spar deck planks were lapped white oak so fasteners may not be seen, check out pics of real thing.

[rtfoe]

Spar deck planks were lapped white oak so fasteners may not be seen, check out pics of real thing.

Thanks for that info Paul, I checked with images of the restored Constitution and the decks seem flush all the way with no nail protrusions.
Don't know which is more accurate, the restoration or what Imai claims they are depicting the ship during her early active period? Both ships have different lines. The restored version is pretty straight from bow to stern where as the Imai offering has a curve like most sailing ships of the period. The Revell version is also curved from bow to stern.

Cheers,
Richard

[rtfoe]

Hi,
After spraying a protective coat of varnish over the finished wash on the deck and while waiting for it to cure I tackled the guns, cradles and the doors.



I secured the guns onto a thick card with white glue after I had cleaned seamlines then sprayed them flat black.



The doors and gun cradles were painted on the spue and given a dark wash.

After this I decided to whiten the previous panel on the hull which has yellowed with time. At the same time I will correct the width of the panel reducing one plank height from the top.

Cheers,
Richard

[adt70hk]

Coming on very nicely Richard!!

ATB

Andrew

[minitnkr]

The rebuild of the spar deck used Douglas Fir instead of White Oak so may appear darker now. The construction was much different than other fighting ships of the day. It was faster & more maneuverable, longer, narrower, straighter, heavier & more rigid than British & French ships of its' class. Internal bracing were cut from single trees & transferred weight evenly along the keel. It was all pegged construction. The "iron sides" used horizontal White Oak planks for the inside & outside layers with Live Oak (75lbs/cu. ft.) planks in between.