When to paint

[silversurfer1947]

This is a very basic question, but please bear with me. I have just started construction of my first ever large scale tank, a Tamiya Tiger 1. I am wondering at what stage of build I should start the priming and painting. I have built the metal chassis and fitted it into the lower hull, but not fitted the suspension. Should I fit the suspension before I paint? Any advice would be appreciated, both specific and general, relating to painting etc.

[jarndice]

I would suggest you go to TIPS & TRICKS and click on PAINTING & WEATHERING, You will find a lot of good advise there.
shaun

[billpe]

For the Tiger I'd leave the tyres off the wheels and the wheels off the hull to paint. I'd construct all you can on the chassis save for attaching exhaust and shrouds and tools. Do those separately. It's an easy kit to paint though.

[Max-U52]

And always remember that glue doesn't stick to paint, so anything you paint on the sprue will have to either be touched up later or have paint removed before glue. I've found with a lot of the smaller subassemblies it's better to glue first, then paint, but for large items I usually paint first, then assemble and touch up. Hope that helps.

[palepainter]

I wouldn't start painting until you have at least a 12 pack of cold beer in the fridge.