In 2011 I decided to build a large ship model and chose the USS Constitution, a frigate built in 1797 in the Boston Harbor. The ship was used more as a protector of US merchant ships but did see action with French and British battles. Most memorable was the conquest of HMS Guerriere in 1812 when she earned the nickname 'Old Iron Side' because cannon balls seemed to bounce off the iron clad sides.
A kit made by Model Shipways would do the job. It consists of numerous parts, some of which are shown below. It also has eight large plans (drawings with most of the details). But in addition, I bought a 'practicum' put together by Bob Hunt with the description of the hull and deck construction.
The section titled 'Tools & Fixtures' shows some of the tools I already had plus some I made and bought.
At the end of this page you will find 'Sources', a list of the suppliers of the various items I needed.
