Hi guys,

Looking for advice on best practices here. I am new to these forums so was not sure if this was the best place to post this question or not. I am currently building a 1/350 scale USS Missouri from Tamiya. I have not tackled such a project with this ammount of detail. The problem I have is trying to determine the best way to paint the model. Should I paint as I go, assembly the entire model then paint???

 I am using Tamiya acrylics, an airbrush, and brushes. I currently have the hull, fore and aft decks built and assembled together. The outer hull is painted (Obviously the wide open space is easy to mask and spray ). Just want to get some input before I continue with the superstructure.

It all really depends on the subject, the detail and colors used. As you build more, you will "learn" the appropriate steps and what works best for you. Usually, it's best to complete and prep as much of the model as possible before you paint it. If there are different colors, decide whether if you can mask it or paint, then assemble. Some subassemblies may require seperate painting as well (decks, towers, turrets, etc).

Bottom line: It will take some practice and experience as far as sequence.

Andy

---

mrramsey wrote:

Looking for advice on best practices here. I am new to these forums so was not sure if this was the best place to post this question or not. I am currently building a 1/350 scale USS Missouri from Tamiya. I have not tackled such a project with this ammount of detail. The problem I have is trying to determine the best way to paint the model. Should I paint as I go, assembly the entire model then paint???superstructure.

Build and paint in subassemblies.  My current favorite painting procedure for ship's hulls is:

1)  Free hand spray a belt of black around the waterline.   This will become the boot-topping

2)  When the black is dry,  apply a mask for the boot topping around the waterline.  Be sure that it is level and is symetrical port/starboard.

3)  Freehand paint the under hull with hull red.   Some overspray on the upper hull is ok. 

4) When the hull red is dry, mask the hull bottom.  Leave the boot top mask in place & mask over it.

5)  Spray the deck.

6)  When the deck is dry,  go back and mask deck around all the deck fittings, bulkheads, gun tubs, etc.   Mike Ashey in his book 'Basics of Ship Modeling' demonstrates this.   It is labor intensive but the results are good.  Burnish the tape snippets down well.

7)  Now paint the upper hull & O1 superstructure level.  

If you are doing a monotone camouflage measure you are done.  Strip all the masking and continue building & painting subassemblies as you go.  (yes, overall Haze Gray is camouflage, as is olive green on a Sherman) .  Touch up as required

If you are building the Missouri as she appeared at Tokyo  you need to do step 8 before stripping the masks.

8)  Mask the light painter superstructure and upper hull from the sheer line up.   Now spray the blue band on the mid-hull.   Once that is dry strip the masks and proceed.  Touch up as required

Painting dazzle patterned camouflage usually requires some forethought, a plan, and some masks.   Paint the hull light to dark, adding masks as you go.   Build in subassemblies and match the camo pattern as you add each level of the superstructure.