I am new to model ship building, so please be kind ... :0)
This is my third kit, and my first attempt at customizing a kit. I tried to emulate the other, much more experienced builder who also made this kit, but I varied somewhat, also.
1. Added copper plating to the hull, painted it black, and used Paneliner & salt streak paint for the salt stains.
2. Painted the deck gray. Scraped bits of a charcoal pencil on the wet paint, & smeared it a bit to try to simulate dirt & grime. Also added this "grime" to the wheel house & other wooden structures.
3. Covered all of this with satin varnish to keep it from rubbing off.
4. Used tires from model car wheels; don't know that these are on the same scale as the rest of the model, but to my unpracticed eye they look to be a decent size; perhaps a bit too big, I don't know.
