Built primarily with dense southern live oak, its hull was 21 inches thick in an era when 18 inches was common. Paul revere forged the copper spikes and bolts that held the planks in place. The 204-foot-long ship was first put to sea in 1798 and its most famous era of naval warfare was the War of 1812 against Britain when it captured numerous merchant ships and defeated five warships, including the H.M.S. Guerriere. It was during the ferocious battle with the Guerriere that British seamen, astonished at how their cannonballs were bouncing off the constitution's hull, cried out, ''Sir, her sides are made from iron'' hence, the nickname, ''old ironsides.'' the constitution today is a national landmark and is docked in boston.
Impressive model! I haven't even removed it from the packaging as yet. I am a woodworker and planning to construct a case for it as I did for the Independence, a model I finished this year.
Only question I have is about the masts when first received. Upon opening the top of the shipping box I remember all the sails were 90 degrees to the hull. Now after 2 days, all the sails are 30 degrees to the left. I included a shot looking down at the model. I was interested to know if others have noticed this or am I mistaken? Also found this after unpacking (see picture) of rear mast warped at top.
The other noticeable item was the size of the rigging blocks, obviously too large but can be overlooked as they seem to accentuate the model when viewed as a whole.. Greg. Gilroy, CA. Sun Sep 13 2020
