1/350 Dragon USS Spruance

[Modelcrazy]

Thanks guys,
Like Stik says, it takes some time. I might get a rail or two on in an evening

[Modelcrazy]

It's been a little while but the PE has been more difficult that I first figured. I still have the starboard side helo pad netting, small boats, aft mast and a few other things I'm sure I forgetting.

[keavdog]

Wow - that looks great. What is your order of assembly/painting. I've got a minicraft Titanic in waiting.

[Modelcrazy]

Thanks John,
It depends, If the ship is older and has several colors, like a WW2 ship, I'll build and paint the hull first, then complete and paint each superstructure section before attaching them to the hull. US modern are all the same color so I assemble it all at once, except for small boats rigging ETC. The Titanic I would work the hull, then superstructure, then all the wee added parts, like life boats and deck details.
Rule of thumb for ships. Build bottom up and inside out.

[Stikpusher]

Yup, build and paint in sub assemblies on ships.

[Modelcrazy]

Thanks guys,
There is a difference of color between the deck and the hull on the Spruance but I have found that a solid superstructure, like the Spruance or Oliver Hazard Perry, it tends to be easier, for me, to do everything at once. Yes there will be some masking but since I black base everything anyway, I have a method to my madness.
Once I get to the painting stage I will be starting on the North Carolina, which will be built in a completely different order. Since I have built over 50 ships in my life, mostly 1/700, it's just something that comes with experience.
Steve

[Stikpusher]

Painting USN ships since WWII has been pretty simple- Haze Gray on vertical surfaces, and Deck Gray on horizontal surfaces. Black on certain mast and stack areas, white on a few specific topside storage areas (ammo & flare locker tops).

That is looking good MC!

[Stuart]

superb work!

[Modelcrazy]

I finished the PE and am ready for paint.

[LyleW]

This is really looking nice. You make this look so much easier than I suspect it is.