When rigging a ship (WWll - modern) and laying the rigging, for instance, from yard to yard, is it better to lay the rigging across the top surfaces of the yards, or across the bottom surfaces? Similarly, rigging from mast to mast, is it better to cut the length of rigging so it just reaches the center point of the surface of the mast, or to wind the rigging around the mast at that point and continue to the next mast, or point?

It all depends on scale. If you are building in smaller scales like 1:700, there isn't that much surface area to be concerned about over or under. Cutting the rigging to the separate lengths is always better than wrapping and moving on.

If, however, you are working in larger scales, especially in the very large ones like 1:200 and 1:144, then it matters a lot. Another factor that also comes into play will be what type of rigging you are representing: stays that help keep masts and funnels steady are rigged differently than radio aerials. This will all come out with careful research. If you are into detail, don't forget that rigging fittings will also be distinct like padeyes, deadeyes, turnbuckles, and ceramic insulators.

So, if you are building small, go for it. If you are building large, hit the books (and internet).

--Karl