Rigging the Revell USS Constitution in 1/96th scale

My finished Revell USS Constitution complete with rigging. Includes a discussion of the tools used and step through the rigging instructions.

[@harveyschmidt4490]

Started this model after a serious operation, was down for a few months. I did the hull and stalled halfway thru the cannons on the lower level. Several years later, I have started the build again, since I have some time on my hands. This video, was helpful and taking your time, working on it a couple hours each day, literally, it is a string at a time and tweaking some of that. Still working on it and each day, see the progress and get excited for the final result. I have cut out the sails and glued cotton cloth to them, which are slightly soiled, so look like they have been in a battle. Also added rust and gunsmoke in various spots, for authenticity of battle.

[@asdasx392]

Nice work. This is the last sailing ship I built. I would like to try another.

[@robhill8894]

I built this exact model about 10 years ago and by far, the rigging was both the most difficult and when done, the most rewarding. I decided if I ever did another similar model, I could save a lot of frustration when trying to reach in to the center at the base of the masts for tying off by starting with extra long "ropes" and first tying off to the center. This avoids trying to reach in to secure that end where even with long tweezers, As you mentioned, I also don't believe the instructions are in the optimal order as doing as much as you can to each mast before installing it would be a huge advantage. I often had to just stop and walk away and actually cool off so I didn't just smash that thing to pieces. Like you, this was my very first model of this complexity. I had only built cars until then with one being a larger indie car with lots more detail like wires, brake lines, suspension etc...(my kitten at the time destroyed it). I am a bit of a perfectionist, and even though nobody would ever notice, I wanted each rope to be attached where the instructions said to attach them. That also helps keep you from having bad angles where ropes rub against each other. Attaching the sails with all that rigging in the way was almost as difficult as the rigging itself. If I do another ship like this, I also want to throw away the plastic sails and create fabric sails with eyelets. The plastic sails tear when you try to pierce them so you can run the "rope" through them at the ends and I think at the top, where they hang, it would look more realistic if there were rope loops for it to hang on, but again, the plastic tears. I might even leave a few of the top sails "furled" just to show how that looks as well, but full sails is 50% of the appeal of this type of ship model. A lot of people don't build this model completely and leave off the sails (like you did). I think the sails, and in particular the extra sails that protrude out on the port and starboard sides, (can't remember their names) really make this model pop turning a good model into an exceptional model and should be installed. The sails are a little easier than the rigging, so why not finish it? The sails are included and should not be left off in my opinion. It took me about 400 hours to build this model. I took lots of pictures but in the end, gave it to my cousin when I moved as it's way too delicate to move. I broke a few repairable things just moving 5 hours away. Overall, nice build but it's sad you put in so much time and effort only to cut corners at the end. The sagging rigging is very noticeable. Also, the rack near the base of the masts looks like you only utilized a few of the pegs when that thing should be full with each line assigned to a specific peg and after it's attached, there needs to be a spiral of the slack rope underneath it for realism. I'm not going to pick it apart, just wish you had cut so many corners after so much time already spent.

[@asdasx392]

Thanks for the comments. Actually, I purchased the kit opened at a swap meet and it did not have the sails so I never intended to add the sails. Of course, by the time I got to the rigging, I could have easily bought another kit to get the sails. I think one of my concerns was that the cheap plastic sails would actually make the kit look worse than without the sails. I would like to try another sailing ship (maybe one from Heller), and I might include the sails next time. I knew sagging ropes would be a problem. I even thought of making a jig to hold the masts in place throughout rigging. Every rope was tight when I added it, but as I added other ropes, previous ropes would sag as the masts got stressed in a different direction. Of course my build has flaws. They always do. But I am glad it turned out as well as it did, and that years later, people still watch the video.

[@glideking]

Really happy to see the finished model. I was wondering where the final video was. I too am building a Revell ship between H0 railroad structures. I have enjoyed all of your videos. Well done!

[@matthewpering8091]

Rigging model ships is a lot of work. I have a model of the Fair American which I am still rigging over 6 months after completion. Granted, I don't get much time to spend on it, but it can take longer that building the ship itself. Glad to see her completed though. Great job.

[@ezragonzalez8936]

I put together the Mamoli Uss Constitution about 12 years ago took me nearly a full year to complete! ended it up giving it away to my uncle who loves ships and has a wonderful nautical collection .. beautiful build as always!!! cheers

[@lars397]

I built the same model 20 years ago. Took me years to finish, but satisfied with the result. The complete rigging took a lot of time and patience, but as you mentioned, you find techniques and make some tools to make it easier. Sails were a challenge as they easily break. But the result is good looking in the end 🙂

[@MrMrmmu72]

I built it 45 years ago and still have it. It's a little dusty and has sustained some damage, which was repaired successfully. Looking at your model, I'd say mine still holds up. The rigging took way longer than building and detailing the ship itself. The use of beeswax was critical. Great job and attention to detail on your part!

[@davestrains6816]

I am not sure I would have the patience to do that. I think it looks wonderful. Thanks for sharing. Dave

[@asdasx392]

Thanks. I was pretty motivated to get it done. Now I can get back to trains!

[@chuckyg6327]

I want to give you a shout out and much thanks for this video and your time. Me and the kid are about to commence upon this kit, we're fairly experienced, and I'm sure we'll handle the main ship assembly just fine, but my brain starts to hurt when reading the rigging instructions ^_^. The tools you suggested look like absolute necessity! Thank you sir!

[@asdasx392]

Thanks, I am glad you are finding the videos helpful. It is an impressive kit when finished and worth the effort.

[@bradonmcgill3467]

I just bought this model and cannot wait to get started on it! Your videos are going to be a great aid!

[@davejones1959]

My new kitten Maddie would have a field day with that rigging... hahaha!

[@asdasx392]

You're not kidding. It is on my mantle and I know if I had a cat, the cat would jump on the mantle and eventually knock it off.

[@joetritton4830]

I had this model in my 20's.I was about 60 percent completed with the sails. In a move it was crushed. Was too tangled to complete. I am now in my early 50s and I found a brand new one. I should have watched your video first to remind me of the long hours and sore back from working on it for whole weekends. I am still looking forward to starting the new one but not sure about the sails this time. Cool video.

[@bke8921]

Thank you much for this. I am about to get to the point where I willl be rigging. This was very helpful!

[@sonomawinetourdrivers3895]

I'm working on the model ship Flying Cloud....I am three years into the project and can finally see light at the end of the tunnel...

[@thomashankins7466]

Interesting use of Coronary scissors!

[@juniorworkshop1918]

Very cool 👍👍

[@glenng7085]

Hi, I have a vintage 50 year old Revell model of the USS Constitution,. My parents bought it to be a family project to do when the weather was bad winter time . As a kid I love putting models together, and in the '70's it was fashionable to have models on display like book shelves were. Any way it was never assembled but un packed and put out on the kitchen table a couple of times back then. But each time my father and I would get out the instructions and start identifying the pieces and debate where to start ...My beloved Mom would come along and say I've got to make dinner soon, get that model packed back up so I can serve dinner! LOL 😂 So some 50 years later it still in its original box unassembled! It's a shame! But that's Life! Could anyone please tell me what the value of this might be...please?

[@jimarmour9035]

model looks great .I am not a ship builder but I do have a question regarding the thread. Several years ago I built a FSM pile driver and I noticed over the years that the thread has started to relax and isn't taught anymore. The thread used and supplied was a cotton thread that over time stretched. Any suggestions?

[@asdasx392]

Maybe get it wet and blow on it with a hair dryer? Like when your clothes shrink in the dryer.

[@robhill8894]

@@asdasx392 Don't put much tension on it. Just enough to remove sag, and it won't want to stretch.

[@garygullikson6349]

I'm getting to replace rigging of my old abused Revell1:96 scale Cutty Sark. Need to order thread/cord, what size should I order for running rigging and stays?

[@asdasx392]

I don't know thread sizes, but I will tell you that the thread I had on hand for mending clothes was too thin. Also, the instructions called for two different sizes, so buy several sizes and see which you like. Thanks for watching. I would love to try the Cutty Sark, but way too much else going on.

[@garygullikson6349]

@@asdasx392 Thread diameter size info is confusing. I'll cut some samples and take them to a sewing supply store. I have read that nylon threads don't rot like cotton, so whoever inherits my CS model will have intact rigging. Repairing and re-rigging a model ship is more difficult than original build. Try to store model where it is safe and can't fall off a shelf, etc.

[@MihneaIrimia]

Hi. I don't suppose you could help me with page 35 from the ship first manual with illustration 27 concerning the foremast. It is very confusing and I don't know what to do or how to advance. Thanks.

[@robhill8894]

Search through his videos. There is a previous video that walks you through earlier assembly. I built this about 10 years ago and if I remember correctly, all the masts just slide down through the decking and are glued to both the lower deck at the bottom of the mast, and then the upper deck where it goes through. I built the entire model with super glue as it sets up within about 10 seconds or less when applied "sparingly" to clean scraped surfaces. Hope that helps. Your post was over a year ago, so maybe not?

[@jimhorning8078]

👏

[@eddiekulp1241]

I used candle wax

[@harveyschmidt4490]

You have not even come close to finishing. I am sticking with it, the rigging gets harder and harder, but worth it. I have added accents to the hull with algae and cannon smoke to the hull and other places. I am close to the sails and sticking to it. When I am done, I will build a floating shelf and highlight with a light. Should look pretty good.