Dear Contirubtors--

I gave the Amati u-boat a few days rest, before taking it on once again. It has taken me several hours to develop a system, from trial and error, by which to do it, but I finally have the first ring and spokes around the attack periscope base. I hope to do the second ring later tonight or tomorrow. I have to replace several of the fins that extend from the side of the base, as a couple of them fell off during the construction process--but thats okay. I can easily cut a couple more from ultra thin plastic and glue them in place. Nonetheless, I must say that there is no component of building this thing that is not a complete, total pain in the ass. It is testing both the outer limits of my patience and endurance, as well as my modelling skills....
Anyhow, now that I have made it known I am not giving up on this thing, I am wondering as to how one is to clean that damn thing up when it gets time to paint--which could be as little as a couple of weeks from now. The hull looks nasty! Between the brass and resin, there is a stream of green putty running from end to end. To be sure, it is buff and sanded to 400 grit, and is as seemless as it can be--but it still looks ugly! In addition, signifciant parts of the hull look *muddy* from the dirt, dust, and grime that has accumulated during the lengthy construction process. I am wondering how to clean it up. My concern is that water can greatly compromise the integrity of the putty. I am thinking i should brush soapy water, along the resin only, ensuring that neither brush nor water touch the hardened resin. Also, although it feels smooth and (for the most part) seemless when I run my fingertips against the areas of putty--which can be in excess of an 1/8th of an inch in certain places--how do I *know* that it will look okay after I paint it? I have never before painted an area corrected by so much extensive "plastice surgery." Is this going to be okay?

Warm Regards,

Einsamer "Howling Mad" Wolf