Hello again,
I think I will go with the idea of a 11mm dowel. I still ahve the problem of the corners of the square base sticking out. I may try to jury rig the base to cover these up, but I am not sure if I can do it. If all else fails, I will get out a few tools Hammers, axes, etc. and cut the corners down.
I wish my boks would get here so I can start to carve the masts. I am not sure how the mast looked on the SM. Was it the same as the Nina?
This brings up the problem with the basket (crowsnest). I am ow going to have to make this by hand as well.
Don't you just love the OOB models. all you need is some glue and maybe paint. geez. What ever happened to just heating up the styrene over fire, press the melting plastic to where you want the piece to go and voila, a model. (OK I was 8 or so at that time)
I am now woring on the final detail painting of the SM. will post pic when done.
Robert