I have started the build on my USS Independence starting with the smaller parts. I have the Eduard photo etch set. My question to the more experienced shipbuilder is how to go about working on the rails. Will it be more convenient to paint the rails first before I cement them in place or will it be easier to cement them and use a brush to paint the rails. My experience with my Fletcher destroyer is, I painted the rails first before cementing them in place. It worked ok but I’m daunted by the size of the carrier.
I’ll throw caution to the winds and pretend I am experienced.
It always turns out that I do both. I airbrush the PE with the correct color while it’s on the fret. Then cut it up and install it. Then go back in with a fine brush and touch it up. I can’t imagine how I’d paint the inboard sides after installing the rails.
Thanks GMorrison. I guess that settles the issue. paint first it is.
Ordinarily I put on railings last, and paint them first. In fact, I often paint the railings while they are still on the PE fret, touching up the marks where they are touched up after then are on.
The exception is if the superstructure is very complicated. Some older warships (around the 1900 era) have very complicated superstructure- sort of donut shaped, where there are railings towards the center of the ship. I do just these at an earlier stage, but the rest, like the main deck railings, last. I mention this in my article on the Dreadnaught in the Sept. FSM.
OOPS! I mean the October issue, which will hit the stands in early Sept.
I will definitely be following along with you,I already printed out Stefan Halters log which I provided for you,now I can also have yours as this is a pretty complicated build,good luck with yours for sure