Tamiya U.S. Navy DD445 Fletcher

[WigWag Workshop]

Good Day Folks!

In my quest to build something in every genre, I have started on my first "Floatie Thingie". My boy just entered High School, and he decided to enroll in the NjROTC program. So I decided, now is a great time to get started. So far I am having a blast, I might even go has far and say that Floaties, might be my new 2nd favorite genre after trains. I wish I had the talent to work with PE parts, I found there to be a lot of after market stuff for these kits. I have a question though, do I build the entire model, then paint it in the overall color Tamiya XF-53, and then paint the small details, in their color? or, leave out the small details and add them later after painting them? What does one use for rigging line? Would fishing line work?

Thank You all in advance for your wise advise,

Wishing the Best to You and Yours

-Steven

[wbill76]

Looks like a fun project with the perfect motivation Steven! You'll probably find it easier to paint things in sections or modules vs. trying to build it all and then paint it, that's what I discovered on my recent foray into ships at least. Especially since as a Destroyer, it's not that huge to begin with, the ability to handle it and get paint into all the necessary nooks and crannies may be a challenge. I found that some things needed to be airbrushed while others needed to be hand painted and detailed due to either their size, their complexity, or combination of both.

[WigWag Workshop]

Good Day Folks!

Thank You very much for the information, it's greatly appreciated. I been having a lot of fun building my first "Floaty Thingie". I know this will not be my last, has my boy already has a few others picked out, that he wants me to build. I also have my eye on the 'Bismarck", has I recently watched a couple of documentaries on that ship. I love trying new genres in this hobby, with that being said, does anyone have any recommendations for tutorials on weathering ships? I am guessing, that the process may be the similar to doing armor, however, I am also guessing that the colors used would be completely different.

Thank You For Any Input,

-Steven

[Leon]

Count me in Steven,looks like a fun project.

[TRM]

WWW, Bill has it right my friend...sections are the way to go. Break down the assembly into sub-assemblies. I found, more often than not, take the PE sheet and try and paint them on the fret. This way if you want to change the color, just mask over the stuff you don't want to paint and spray away. I also will not always use CA to glue them in place after painting....PVA works as well if not better once dry and it dries clear. If you get PVA on the painted surface...danp Q-tip (ear Bud) and wipe it off!

Rigging is another issue all together. I have stretched sprue and attached...this works well and will not sag like threads or collect dust and such. Mono-filament lines would work the best. I do not have the spec size at the moment but I am sure we can dig the figure up with/for you!

Bring on the building!!! She is a beauty!!!