Constitution color questions

Modeling Subjects Ships
1

I’m working on my first sailing ship, the 1/196 Constitution. I’ve got a couple of sailing ship newbie questions.

  1. What color is the keel? According to the picture on the box, it’s copper, but looking at the molding, it looks like the copper plating ends at the keel and the keel would be a wood color.

  2. What is a good color for the gun mounts? The pics I’ve seen show a reddish color. Any ideas on a good match? I just ask that the color be in Model Master paints if possible since I’m currently stationed in the sticks and the only hobby store in about 100 miles is Hobby Lobby.

Thanks for your patience.

Doug

2

Although this link shows Lens 1/96, the colors still apply.

http://www.modelwarships.com/index1.html

If by “keel” you mean the rudder, then you can either copper it or leave it wood or black in color, it has been done both ways in the years past.

I also have this kit and plan on building it next and I will be following this color scheme.

http://www.historicships.com/TALLSHIPS/Shipways/ShipwaysMenu.htm

The USS Constitution has been around for along time and has had many alterations to her details. Best to research and find the version you like the best and go with it.

Lon

3

The rudder on the constitution was wood. They tarred the rudder to keep it as light a possible. they DID NOT copper plate it. If you look at your model you can see where it is a wood grain pattern, not the copper plate on the hull.

Jake

4

I stand corrected.

Thanks Big Jake, I would have wrongly painted mine copper.

Lon

5

Try going to the “advanced” search, and search “constitution” - scroll down, and you’ll find quite a few answers to your questions. Someone, who had a LOT of time on their hands, and TONS of knowledge wrote a multiple page document about ALL the colors of the constitution for ALL time periods (you will know it when you find it). Its hands down the best reference I’ve found. There was so much info, that I ended up having to look words up to double check what specific parts he was referring to. [:)]
Good luck!
-jonathan