My hints on working with photoetched railings on ships
1) I paint my PE while still on the fret when I am spraying the ship. Hand paint/touch up any nicks, cracks, etc. later.
2) Measure the length with a draftsman's dividers. Find logical break points; bulkheads, gun tubs, ladderways, other railing runs, etc.
3) Resist the urge to do the entire side of a model with one piece of railing just because you have one that long. Work in manageable 2-3 inch lengths.
4) Cut with a #10 blade (the rounded one) on a piece of glass or tile. Cutting on a self-healing mat will cause the cut ends to curl under. You can use a #11 blade on the hard surface but it will result in broken blade points (i.e. blade replacement ($) & eye protection needed)
5) Clean up cuts & burrs with a very fine fingernail polishing board.
6) Place a pin-point sized dot of white glue at each end of the rail & every 1/2 inch or so along the length. (I prefer Alenes Tacky Glue from the craft store) Place on the model. Position as necessary. The white glue allows you to reposition the railing and can be cleaned up with water on a Q-tip.
7) Repeat with all the railing. Work inside to out and top to bottom to minimize disturbing previously laid railings.
8) Once the railing is installed & the white glue is dry go back & lay a fine bead of CA along the gutter rail. I like Darren Scannell/Hawk Graphics glue tips for this. Buy them from Darren or see his method of making them. Either way, see the link to Hawk at hawkgraphics.com
9) Now is the time to hand touch up any paint blemishes.
10) Dust a light coat of clear flat over the CA used to secure the rail to kill the shine and blend everything together .
As far as rigging, my preference is to use invisible sewing thread. Pull a length across a black marker to give it some color. Use CA to attach, don't pull too tight or it will bend masts & yards. Consider replacing these with brass rod anyway. Follow references, the best being the 'Anatomy of the Ship' series and the plan books published by the Floating Drydock