Ando, Guilty as charged.
No, I would never use Hammerite on a scale model as it would probably hide all the fine detail you have worked so hard to make.
As for tips on building HMS Sheffield, or anything from a plan/article;
1) read the instructions carefully
2) think about it, will it meet your needs
3) only when you understand everything (you probably don't but thats part of the fun) start building
4) buy good materials
5) use a good straight edge, set square and sharp blades
6) measure twice so that you only have to cut once
7) trial fit parts before reaching for the glue
8)leave all the glued joints twice as long as you think they need to dry
9) if something looks wrong, stop and look at the plans/instructions again
10) wonder why you started the damn thing in the first place!
Glynn Guest