Veneering the decks
With all the painting done and decals applied it was time to apply the Artwox wooden decking. It comes in one sheet marked out to the particular shape of the wooden areas of the ship you’re building. You just have to lightly go around the edges and any void areas to cut the piece free with a sharp knife. I started at the Bow and worked my way to the Stern. The first piece came away from its backing and was carefully guided into place on the model. The veneer is sticky backed so use tweezers to hold the piece. Once in position gently apply a little pressure to gently press it onto the deck. Working through the pieces the model really comes alive, I had a few fit problems with some pieces but this was due to me applying the deck edge railings on the Aft Superstructure, the fit in this area is right to the edge of the deck and I had to carefully lift the railings off, fit the deck and re-apply the railings.
These wooden decks are good but the area to be applied has to be clear of all separate assemblies.
Washes
After applying the wooden decks, an overall wash of Raw Umber artist’s oil paint was applied to all parts of the model including the wooden decks. Don’t hang around with this otherwise you could end up with untidy tidal marks on model if you’re not quick enough at removing the excess wash. Once dry a few areas needed a second application which was then left to fully dry.
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Final assembly
Now the fun begins, starting with the folded Walrus it was attached in place on the deck where its hangar would fit over it. The Forward Superstructure which contains the aircraft hangars went on next. Then the Aircraft Catapult, Shelter deck assembly and Aft Superstructure. With these in place the remaining assemblies were attached. I left off the Main turrets and the remaining Walrus aircraft until all weathering was complete.
Rigging
The rigging was pretty straightforward using my usual material very fine fishing line. Additionally I using some fine stretched sprue for the smaller pieces of rigging for derricks, cranes etc. This was carefully picked in using black enamel paint applied by fine brush.