Posted by Alex Arnakis on April 28, 1998 at 22:14:45 in 97.arlington-13.va.dial-access.att.net:
This method involves disregarding part of the kit instructions. I think it is a better way.
Beginning with Step 9 of the instructions, DO NOT build the superstructure as a subassembly. Instead, build the Promenade and Boat Decks directly on the hull, leaving the side window pieces off for the time being. DO NOT attach the funnel stay threads to the Boat Deck as shown in the instructions. Build all the deck houses on the Boat Deck, except do not permanently attach the roof of the Officers' Quarters just yet. Attach all the funnels as per the plans. Don't put the funnel caps in place yet.
Now, begin threading the funnel stays. To make this job easier, I recommend stiffening the first 3/4" or so of the thread using gel Superglue to make a kind of "self-needle". First, take about a 6" length of thread, tie a large knot in one end, and pass the other end upwards through one of the holes in the Officers' Quarters roof that are just forward of the locations for the collapsible lifeboats. Thread the end through the SECOND hole from the front in the first funnel. Push the thread straight through the funnel (through the second hole from the front on the other side) and down through the corresponding hole in the other side of the Officers' Quarters roof. You may need to use long tweezers through the top of the funnel to guide the thread through the funnel. Pull the thread tight and glue to the underside of the Officers' Quarters roof. You can now cement the Officers' Quarters roof in place.
Next, take a spool of thread. Using tweezers, pull the end of the thread upwards through one of the holes in the Boat Deck that are just behind the bridge wings. Thread this through the FIRST hole in the first funnel and straight through the other side of the funnel. Then thread down through the corresponding hole in the other side of the Boat Deck. Run the thread along the underside of the Boat Deck to the next hole on that side (the one just aft of the collapsible lifeboat) and up through that hole. Thread through the THIRD hole in the funnel and down to the other side of the Boat Deck. Continue this way, using one continuous length of thread, until you have rigged all the holes in all the funnels.
Cut off the thread from the spool and tie a large knot in the loose end. Pull all the stays tight, working from the front of the ship towards the rear. Pull the excess thread through the last hole in the Boat Deck and secure it by gluing to the underside of the Boat Deck. You can now attach the funnel caps and side window pieces.
Just a suggestion, --Alex A.