It’s easier to work on all aspects of each mast and yard from all angles without having to turn the whole ship around and reach over and around other masts and rigging etc. if the masts were first stepped prior to rigging. This was my first model and I found it more natural to do it that way as I needed to include lots more rigging for the furled sails over and above what was included in the kit. Many thanks for your comments.
very impressive..! what is the advantage of rigging the masts;etc off the hull?
It’s easier to work on all aspects of each mast and yard from all angles without having to turn the whole ship around and reach over and around other masts and rigging etc. if the masts were first stepped prior to rigging. This was my first model and I found it more natural to do it that way as I needed to include lots more rigging for the furled sails over and above what was included in the kit. Many thanks for your comments.