Lesson 1: To avoid the frustration factor, do not make your first ship model kit with PE a large, expensive, complicated kit with a complicated PE set to go along with it. Instead, start with a smaller 'learner' kt which is less expensive and less complicated, and more likely to be completed.
Lesson 2: Do not 'grind' parts from your kit. Work slower using a chisel shaped Xacto blade. Grind pieces off and you will be buying a new kit when that burr slips.
Lesson 3: Paint the PE fret at the same time as you paint the model. Touch up any nicks & cracks after installation.
Lesson 4: Measure the length of railing you need with a pair of draftsman's dividers. Measure between logical end points; previous railing runs, gun tuns, bulkheads. Measure twice, cut once.
Lesson 5: Resist the urge to do the entire side in one piece, just because you have a piece of brass that is long enough. Work in 2-3 inch (maximum) lengths.
Lesson 6: Cut the PE on a piece of glass or tule using a #10 XZacto blade in a ocking motion. The point WILL break on a #11 blade.
Lesson 7: Make your bends off the model. Use a pair of opposed razor blades (one over, one under the piece and fold by raising the under blade). Round bends can be made around a dowel or drill shank.
Lesson 8: Apply a pin-point drop of Aleene's Tacky Glue at each end of the railing piece and every 1/2 inch. Position. The tacky glue grabs but allows the part to be repositioned (unlike CA). It also may be cleaned up with water.
Lesson 9 After the Tackly Glue is dry - go back and run a bead of CA along the bottom rail to firmly attach the part
Lesson 10: Hand-brush any nicks & cracks.
Lesson 11: Spray a light coat of flat over everyting to kill the shine of the CA and to blend everything together.