This Sophomore Course is based on the Model Shipways kit, USF Constitution (MS2040). This course consists of 12 chapters and covers the complete construction of the hull. A separate Masting and Rigging course is also available consisting of 6 chapters. It covers making the masts and spars and attaching all of the rigging to them. 

This course is ideal for modelers with some model shipbuilding experience. Because of the complexity of the model, there is much more to construct and thus, much more is covered in the course. 

No modifications are made to the design of the kit. However, many enhancement techniques are shown to bring out detail or add details missing in the kit. The hull planking consists of a single layer, and the lower hull is covered in copper plating. 

With this course, the modeler will learn a new method of planking the hull (not previously covered), how to build deck furniture, how to copper a hull, how to make ship's boats and much more. The optional Masting and Rigging Course will teach the modeler more complexities to making masts and spars, a more complex rigging structure, and how to read model ship plans for final rigging. The course teaches many of the basics of model shipbuidling as well as more complex techniques and is a stepping stone to kit bashing and even more complex models.
 
To read a sample chapter, see our PDF Downloads page.  The course comes on a CD. The chapters can be printed out by the customer and put in a 3 ring binder, or you can take the CD to an office supply store such as Staples or Office Max and have them print the chatpers for you.