Hi, I have the Trumpeter1/350 kit for HMS Queen Elizabeth. Should I simply get the photo etch railings, or go for the full photo etch set available for the ship? the price is almost the same as the kit itself, and I hesitate, mostly because I dont have that kind of cash..advice?

You really don't NEED to get anything, but I personally like adding railing to the kits because they look funny without it. I would only go with the full set if you're really determined to make a serious competition build.

I'd also encourage you to start a build log here in the forums if you haven't thought about creating one yet. It would be great to see your work as it progresses

Go the whole hog Jim.. You know you want too.. Also, it extends the build -time out heaps so your $ per hour ratio gets better and better the more details you add!

decisions, decisions!...ok...heres a question..which is the better kit, Academy or Trumpeter....I've got the trumpeter kit , but to fit it out with all the bells and whistles is the same cash as buying a "premium edition" Academy kit...so, whats the path to take?

It's a tough call. Trumpeter's molded details seem to be much more refined than Academy's, which makes it a superior core. It's going to take a bit of patience and will certainly be more expensive to locate and purchase the AM for the Trumpeter kit, but I believe the end result will be much better.
From an economical standpoint, the Academy premium edition may be good way to go. The PE set included in the premium edition isn't as comprehensive as the AM PE sets would be, but you do get a nice selection of metal barrels and a wooden deck set. Both of these will be a bit difficult to find for the Trumpeter kit.

The real question at this point is what do YOU really want to do?

I have weighed things out, and I took the plunge with the Academy Premium Warspite kit. I found it for a reasonable price, and yes, I do have the trumpeter kit now also, but I feel that through building the Academy kit, I can become sufficiently versed with not only the ships class, but the kits themselves.
Im curious to see what I can do with her...perhaps I will do the build on line here.

Good luck Jim,

I also have the Acadamy Warspite, the standatd kit, and the Pontos detail set to go with it, Wood deck, Turned Brass barrels, and loads of etch and other bits and peices.

Would like to see a build log on yours, will do one on mine.... When I get round to her.

Si

I didnt go with the pontos upgrade, although it looked very enticing. I have opted to swing for the Master set for the Oerlikons, and am now considering my options for tackling those Pom Poms....any suggestions beyond the barrels by Master,anyone?