I received a “gift” a few years ago: a piece of the actual hull of the Constitution. Having completed most of the build by then, I decided to replace the stocks on the anchors with this wood. So I cut and fashioned new stocks from the hull wood and mounted them to the anchors.
So the starboard hammock cranes are fully loaded with hammocks. 75 down, about about 275 to go! I didn’t like the idea that 3D printed would all look the same, so I have gone down the rabbit hole and individually making the hammocks. Somebody call a doctor and have this man committed. Details below.
Finally, feeling a bit patriotic yesterday - and getting tired of rolling and tying hammocks - I pulled out the flags and started working on them. Did a test of the big stern flag with a duplicate to see how it would take the gluing and furling. Worked great. So I did the foremast pendant and the bowsprit flag and mounted them. Bowsprit is just mounted directly to a small mast, but the foremast (and main & mizzen) is able to be raised and lowered through a small block at the top of the mast and tied to the foretop railing.
Brought the ship to my IPMS club meeting last night for the first time in about 3 years (just to prove I am really building this thing). I have brought pieces before (boats, sails, etc.) and shown progress on a ZOOM meeting or two. Here are a few shots.
All flags have been added and I finished one of the waist railings.
Bob your idea to use actual wood from the USS Constitution on your anchors is great! Mine are just plastic but I’m going with two on the starboard side and one on the port side. I’m going by one of the Corne paintings as my source. I’m following the AOS chain and rope combo to secure the anchors. I haven’t decided exactly yet but I’m pretty sure the big stuns’l boom overlaps my second anchor.
I made a similar insane decision to make cloth hammocks but I’m pleased that I did, it looks very shipshape and the slight variations are fine with me. I put a piece of florists wire at the core of each hammock roll and that helped hold its shape when I folded them in half. I’m glad to see the flag array and look forward to the day when I hoist my own. How did you transport your ship to the club meeting?
VERY CAREFULLY ! I have a Kia Telluride, which has a neat little tray in the back that gives me a couple extra inches of clearance for the masts, and I made a cradle for the base to sit in so it can’t shift around. Plus I drive like a gramma with it, which is very out of character for me.
Mostly just gets hair everywhere.
Final build stages. Plexiglass case ordered, and will build the base for the case after I pick it up next week.
Headed to IPMS Nationals in August.
Bob
Down to the wire here. Loading up all the pinrails with hanks.
Added some ribbons to the stunsail booms so I don’t poke my eyes out.
Center boats all lashed in correctly as well.
Bob I think your hammocks are so convincing and add to the feeling of a working ship under sail. Great photos make me want to walk the decks. Please keep posting as you wrap up this master work.
So I tried to figure out how much time I have into this.
Averaging about 100 days per year, with 4 hours each session, and 7+ years, that totals out to …
2,800 hours.
So if I had worked on it every day, I could have finished in 2 years. I would be divorced and living in an insane asylum, but it would’ve gotten done sooner.
Been a fun ride !
Gonna take a little time after Nats to clean up and organize my chaotic build area.
Let you know what I decide to do next.
