Oct 27, 2013

USS Constitution build log 2

Fast-forward 11 days. The spar deck (top deck on the Constitution) has been installed. The 32-pound caronnonades have been installed on their carriages and breech lines rigged. Even though these guns shot a

heavier 32 pound ball, they were smaller and lighter than the great guns, were less accurate, and had a shorter range. They were for close up fighting. The big guns are on the lower deck to keep the center of gravity low so the ship would not tend to capsize. Boats have been painted, assembled, and lashed in place. Inside the boats you can see the oars lashed to the seats, ready for use.

Also, the ships wheel is installed (it really turns the rudder), as is the capstan, fife rails, hatch gratings, and belay pin rails. If you look closely at the top of the bulwarks, you will see “U” shaped stanchions running the length of the ship with a fine netting modeled. This is made from black “tule” from the bridal section of Hobby Lobby. Think of trying to glue a spider web to the ship. Those alone took a week to install, but I like the way they look. The cat heads (large timbers near the front of the ship that will eventually hold the raised anchors) are in. If you look closely you will see the “carved” image of a cat face on the end of the timber. I printed that out and glued it in place. Here is the picture of the real thing.