Hi Ripp,
Nice to hear from you! It's good to know that the problems I came up against have been shared by another builder - like you I now know that they weren't down to operator error! How did you find the fit of the panels under the front?
Yes I did do a little research into the original SloMo, but perhaps I didn't do enough as I had no idea what finish was used on her.
To answer your main question as to why I used epoxy on the deck - the main reasons are explained earlier on in this thread, somewhere around page 2. I saw a few other models where epoxy had been used and the finish was absolutely superb, it looked like glass, and when I asked people what I should use to get a finish like that, I was told epoxy. Now that the epoxy is getting sanded back to a good finish on most of the boat I can definately state that it looks beautiful, and if I hadn't had the problem I did have with it 'reacting' and going wrong, I'd use it again. It's rock hard, smooth as glass, and just as transparent. Take a look at the Ferrari hydroplane I put on here earlier on, and you'll see the finish I'm after.
This is only my 3rd model and by far the most 'involved', and I'm learning like mad as I go along. This has been a very steep learning curve for me, and there are many instances where my lack of experience shows. I have no idea where i'd be if it wasn't for the kind people on here!
To back up the 'epoxy' way of building, the chap in Marine Modelling International magazine who built this model recently also used epoxy. I just assumed it was a standard kind of method to use.
I was recommended that I put a few coats of epoxy on, sanding down well each and every one, but to be honest I just can't face it. After this one I'm going to apply the decals and paint, and use varnish. Well, I will if I ever get chance to do any more work on it anyway. Illness, my 3yr old, odd shift patterns, and house moves all conspire to keep me away from modelling lately!
Yes please do host your own build-up thread - I'd really love to see what/how someone else does with the model.
All the best, Julian.