Things I have learned nearing the completion of my first model warship.
Well as some of you know, I am near completion of my Trumpeter 1/350 HMS Queen Elizabeth 1943. I have learned countless things in my short stead here, and am still learning. This is the first model ship I have ever done. I havent touched a model besides some simple snap together cars since my early teen years.
Over the last month or so of working on my model, I have spent probably more on paints, tools, and others things to help me complete it than I have on the model itself.
In the beginning of this build i was using gel super glue made for crafts. And boy what a mess. As i completed the first section of my superstructure there were gaps and left over glue that dried, and just didnt look great. I invested in some testors plastic cement, took my time, and thanks to a tip on from someone on here, used a toothpick to apply the cement to pieces of the sprue as I attached them. Through some practice i noticed that my superstructure pieces were starting to look almost seamless and everything was going together smoother, and easier.
I also learned that you can never trust a paint guide that comes with a model kit, at least this was the case in my Trumpeter kit. I tried my best at mixing paints and getting a desired color and it didnt turn out to be what I wanted. But was a good learning moment and my mixing skills have since improved. Through this I purchased a book for modelers, specifically highlighting my next model, the Tamiya King George V.
I am sure that my second model will outshine my current QE. But the QE will always hold a place in my heart as the first model warship i have ever built.
Without several people here i would have been lost! From scratch building a missing piece, to something as simple as applying cement. I look forward to not only my future builds, but learning and seeing some other amazing work you guys are putting out there!