SPA Modeler

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

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.

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

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.

Yup, build and paint in sub assemblies on ships.

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

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!

superb work!

I finished the PE and am ready for paint.

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