Thank you:OK guys, after taking your tips and suggestions on board, with the limitations of these etched stanchions, I have formulated a plan to try. Assemble the stanchion rail section, superglue all but the top rail, then using this Maplin heat shunt (sort of tweezers clip)
http://www.maplin.co.uk/heat-shunt-3930 so I can solder the top rail joints. The glued joints should hopefully hold it all in place for the brief period when heat is applied, and the heat shunt reduce deck melt risk if I'm quick. Should make it all stronger.
Portholes:Meanwhile I am getting on with the 60 portholes which in a moment of madness I decided to glaze. Hull drilled 3mm prior to spraying. Cut 5mm lengths of clear 1/8" dia acrylic rod, polished ends and slightly bevelled inner face. Holes opened up to 3.2mm then secured glaze plugs flush into hull. Using John Haynes etched portholes I tweezed up the eyebrows as per notes he kindly wrote on the delivery paperwork, then fixed portholes over holes.
Paint eyebrows. Minimal touch up round holes. No problems. Slightly extended plugs should aid internal lighting.
That went a lot better than I hoped.