British Prince of Wales Battleship Boat

It took me 3 months to complete the build of the Prince of Wales. I started with the hope that I could camo the ship to look like it did when it sunk after a Japanese attack in 1941. I was hoping to camo as I completed the hull, the forward super structure, and then the stern super structure but in reality, my painting skills frustrated me and let me down and I decided to repaint the hull and start over. I used photo etched parts and really enjoyed bending and attaching ladders, stairs, rails, and I am especially proud of the finished airplane cranes. I did have a bit of a problem towards the end getting the main mast squared up with the forward super structure. This was very important when it came to the mast and radio rigging which I actually redid after I solved the main mast placement. This ship build absolutely challenged me and my skills. I ordered a wood deck, which would have been my first experience with this detail except they sent me the Hood instead and I decided to paint it myself. I finally discovered a great mixture of paint for the deck (Decktan and Earth and a light treatment of brown wash to boot. I am a big advocate for painting as you go for both the sprue and PE parts. Pre-painting priming is extremely important. One more thought. I don't think I will build another 1/700 ship even though I currently have 7 on my model shelf. Reaon, the parts are just too small for me and have a habit of flying off in different directions throughout the building process. I am definitely hooked on 1/350. Next up, after I build a P51 Mustang and maybe a Panzer Tank will be the USS Langley, Bismark, or maybe even a 1/350 Hood!