So a bit ago, in this post, USS Enterprise - tos build , I got inspired to try it. Feeling a bit overwhelmed now!!! Done some priming, and a little clean up and getting ready to start AB before all the tiny windows go in… So , what to do with the seams after AB THEN gluing? The kits ive done before pretty sure all assembled before AB - but now I have to AB then assemble. How to take care so not to see the seams so much? Or am I over thinking it? So far:
I haven’t ever built this kit before but it looks like all the windows are set well back from any seam.
If I were building the kit I might consider airbrushing the hull. Install windows. Slap some masking tape over them. Glue, sand, fill, sand, and touch up with the airbrush as needed. Then pull all the masking tape and finish the model as normal.
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yep thats what I was planning. Except - I thought I would just have to AB, then do a ll the window install and glue the halves together. But then seems show, right?
There are a lot of windows to cover after air brushing. I’d be afraid of seeing some sort of line after taping them over and having to AB again?? And also pulling off paint when removing the tape.
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In my experience every model has it’s own unique risk to address. I always end up having to weigh the amount of work I am willing to put in against the results I’m trying to achieve. Even when it doesn’t turn out exactly as I hoped, I come to appreciate what I learned in the process.
Regarding my original suggestion.
My thought process was to focus on airbrushing around the seams only. Masking the windows was simply to protect them from over spray so large chunks of masking tape can be laid down making quick work of covering them. And you wouldn’t have to worry about paint building up around the tape.
From the pics it looked like you were using Vallejo Model Color. Since I started curing the Vallejo paint I haven’t had any issues with masking tape lifting it off. I built my first curing box using nothing more than a 60W incandescent bulb stuck in a cardboard box.
Just make sure there’s sufficient space for the parts to lay flat and far enough away from the bulb so you don’t do what I did and melt a part. 
If you decide to build one, test before placing critical parts in it. 
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Nice. Tks! Lots of tiny windows and clear parts to cover - you can see them all in one of my pics- the clear spru….. Today may be the day!
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Nice. Tks! Lots of tiny windows and clear parts to cover - you can see them all in one of my pics- the clear spru….. Today may be the day!