Thanks for the invite, I sometime lurk on the eurobrick forums, but never posted before.
I'm flattered that you like my model of the USS Constitution.
A couple of comments on the model.
The masts are removable - simply pull off the rat lines and they fall down :) I'm very pleased with the two tier ratline design (using two small ratlines and one large ratline per side of each mast) - it provided a remarkable amount of stability - both fore/aft and laterally. Visually, the 2x4 plate used to splice the ratlines together pretty much dissappears in al the rigging.
Typically, pretty much everything I build now, I build modular. I find it a lot easier to build that way and as a bonus, it's that much easier to take to a conference to display - especially when it comes to packing it in a small car.
My favorite feature is the hammocks. http://www.bigbenbricks.com/ben/lego/ussco...osssect_fwd.jpg I would of put in more, but that was all the white plates with ball joints that I had. It's fun to give them a little push and watch them swing back and forth.
My second favorite feature is the flag. http://www.bigbenbricks.com/ben/lego/ussco...tution/flag.jpg I first built the flag using 1x1 squar eplates for the stars and didn't like the amount of white. Then I tried the 1x1 round plates and found that that looked a lot better. Later on, I was to learn that the USS Constitution originally sailed with a 13 star flag.
Oh yes, and I really like the chair designs I came up with. http://www.bigbenbricks.com/ben/lego/ussco...tion/chairs.jpg Notice the pistol muskets used to support one of the arm rests.
Biggest nit pick with the model: the side of the hull is entirely vertical. If I were to do it over again I would slope in the top and bottom for a more realistic curve.
If people have further questions, please post and I'll respond when I can.
Cheers.
Ben Fleskes