USS missouri

Install a number of sheet styrene bulkheads inside the hull before putting the deck on.  The bulkheads do not have to be super precise, just good enough to keep the hull from deforming. 

With the bulkheads in place, I'd install the main deck  in its entirety, just to add rigidity to the hull.  Now, that means any mods the deck needs for wood decks or the like need to be executed first, or to a point suitable for the manhandling that cuttign the underwater body off will ential.

After that, it's go slow and carful along the cut line.

You always want to cut off the least you can get away with.  I would cut no higher than the bottom of the boot topping.  You can always build up the water effect, or sand the cut hull edge down a bit, to need.

Unless you are planning a stormy sea, you will want almost no list nor pitch in the hull (down a tiny bit by the stern ok, if underway).

A moored diorama offers a lot of options.  Like setting out boat booms and te like; companionway stairs over the side.  You also have to decide about sun awnings, too--which add visual interest, but hide detail.

What era Missouri are you doing, just out of curiosity?

When you undertake cutting the bottom off of the hull, there's every reason to do it in pieces. There'll be no real use for the scrap bottom, and also it's much harder to do, as opposed to a series of cross cuts and a centerline cut followed by removing sections at a time.

You don't necessarily need to remove the lower hull, just use a thicker base.

modelcrazy

You don't necessarily need to remove the lower hull, just use a thicker base...

Hi;

     This is the way I prefer to do it. Doing the full Hull leaves nothing to chance. Plus if you use crafter's molding plaster, it doesn't shrink and you can, if later do something different. Plus that way you don't have to use the Screws,Shafts or Rudders.

     The water effects material works great over this type of base. Especially when coloring the water is concerned.

Yes, and you can sell me the screws, struts, and shafting, if you don't need it .  .  . !!!

I've been thinking of doing something along those lines , will be watching with keen interest

Is this your model.  If so would be interested in the teqnique you used for the water.

So, what is your plan with this build? WWII, Korea, Vietnam, or post modernization?

Yes, it's mine. I use Styrofoam, acrylic paint, med acrylic gel and acrylic varnish for sheen and depth. I have several examples of my technique.