Ok...
First post.
The hull is nearly identical to Shaposhnikov, so I want to do a waterline instead. There isn't an option for it in this kit. A lot of cutting is in the near future. I'm not sure about the faint line on the side of the hull. Waterline mark? Accurate? Top, mid, or bottom of waterline? Or just a mold seam...?
I am going to start with the rear deck and superstructure because the large stern hatch will determine the waterline.
I am aiming for a 2008 appearance, when Chabanenko was dark and fierce looking.
The deck looks black but it is actually a Rust-oleum brand brown color called satin dark walnut.
The superstructure is Krylon chalky Anvil Gray.
The landing pad is another Rust-oleum color satin paprika.
I jumped the gun by applying paint so early, but I couldn't resist checking the colors. I also want to attempt the red & white stripe that runs along the walls contacting the main deck. This experiment is a combination of 1/32" red masking tape painted over with insignia red, and a white vinyl stripe at 1/64". From a distance it is ok, but up close, the white stripe isn't sticking as much as I'd like. More experiments will be needed.
The white dot on top of the hanger is where a girder tower would go, but Chabanenko doesn't have that tower. An example of Trumpeter reusing previous instructions. I'll cover it with plastic sheet.
There are accuracy issues around the crossed sword pedestal that I will be looking into.
There are problems with the landing pad as well. Supplied decal is wrong. Port side staircase hole is missing, and the zipper-like trench details have to be removed. Chabanenko's trench details are either not there at all, or covered over with flat plates. So I will be doing some cutting, scraping, and puttying once new blades arrive.
I don't know how long these images will last(free hosting) so download any you want to keep. As always, questions, comments, recommendations, and even complaints are ok.
Dan