Progress on this model is swifter -least it seems that way--than with the Novik-- partly because I am now quite familiar with the various PE parts as well as what bits from my scrap-box that I can use ...
I bought yet another - (No 3 !!) PE fret- they are not cheap--but I was unable to resist the lure of the rather cool 4.7 in gunshields( needed x 8 this time-- Novik (and the Novik PE fret!) only had x 6....
I will NOT be building the other sister.... Izumrud...
--but the remaining shields and other parts will be usable on other ships...
meanwhile progress so far:
Having previously folded up the gunshields it was time to build the 8 x main guns
So as to make the positioning, holding and alignment easier I made a mini-jig
the gun bases were tacked in place with thinned matt varnish
That way I was able to dribble CA onto the trunnion positions using a soft piece of stretched sprue-- and not dislodge the finely balanced barrel!
As a temporary measure, I left in place to ease painting- and removed afterwards
This platfrom is hard to discern in photos --and it is not that easy to glean from the plans either!!
The lower searchlight platform and its braces was made using the excellently rendered PE platform from the North star PE set. and wrapped with WEM ultra-fine PE rails
The wall requires rolling carefully to avoid distortion( and stretching !!) I did this by using brass tubes and exerting pressure evenly on to a 'post-it' note pad
The lower braces / upper mast spreaders where made using 1/350 PE railing longitudinals.
The capstans on the foredeck and the aft deck were turned from resin-mast scrap in a mini-drill.
Resin turns beautifully --and unlike plastic is a ""clean" material to turn--not un-akin to metal!
More soon!
JIM B
easier than trying to keep them in position with the ship upright!!-- let gravity be your friend! 
)
