Even if I weren't using removable surfaces (which you really want right after a crash), I'd still get the surfaces finished at lesat up to the base color before I glued everything together. Trying to sand the finish down in the hinge gaps is a royal pain; sanding a separate surface is easy.
I see that some seriously good modelers fully assemble and then start the finish: I can't imagine doing a decent job that way myself, but others can obviously do it and do it well.
Tim,
You're correct.
There is considerable work sanding the "V" grove at the control surfaces to keep paint build up to a bare minimum. I know that well.
Painting the base color on all parts before assembly is a given and a good start. Great idea!
Here's the thing. The R/C guys I learned to build from, pattern flyers, always pinned the hinges, each and every one. So, I coppied and did the same thing.
So, finishing in those areas, above and below the hinge, remained after assembly. I'd hate to loose a control surface doing this hinge thing differently.
Knowing each step to this method of finishing is important to me. I don't need any mistakes.
I'd hate to have a mishap with this model, it's comming out nicely.
Can't weight to paint it and hang it on the wall. I'm Kidding! Just Kidding! Ya, ya, I'll fly the thing.
I think this model might even do a loop.
Thanks for the reply.