One thing I started doing with this kit build is to attach small parts to strips of masking tape mounted to something (in this photo a paint jar) when I paint them. Given how much trouble I've had when handling this kit's parts, I figured this method ought to make things a bit easier.
I did the same thing for the larger piece which is the top deck of the forward tower of the battleship. The yards at this deck level look frighteningly delicate so I wanted to minimize the chance of touching them with my fingers and breaking them.
Happily I was able to attach all the small calibre AA guns withoug any major issues. There was one where a very small piece broke off and I was able to carefully reattach it prior to putting the AA gun mount on board the ship.
At this point in time I have two tasks in front of me; 1) rebuild the severly damaged main mast (it got mangled while in transit to me) and 2) figuring out a way to get the ship's anchors in place. The problem with the anchors is that the flukes of the anchors are in line with the anchor stocks. That would be fine if I were going to depict the ship with its anchors being lowered into the water. But in their present form I can't mount the anchors with their flukes against the side of the hull and their stocks angled up the hawse pipe openings.
Anyways, here are some photos of the ship with the top deck of the forward tower resting in place. I haven't glued it to the ship yet.
Aside from the anchors and the mainmast, I have to attach the aircraft handling crane and small boat davits before I can call it a day on this kit.
