Hello, I want to model the USS Abe Lincoln, in good detail. What would be the best approach to deliver a professional model?
Reasonably poly with a second low poly version, should it be to scale?
Would the model be expected to be in one piece, or would it be okay to model the tower and smaller components (like turrets) separately?
Thank you
Hard to say what is the 'best' approach; a lot is preference, but:
always try to model to scale.
In this case I would not model it in one piece. The 'main body' looks kinda blocky; maybe use just a Bevel Modifier on a simple shape.
The tower for instance looks like it wants to be made with a Subdivision Surface Modifier.
It is easier to model in different pieces, when you are using different modifiers (otherwise you'd have to 'separate' them with vertex groups).
Try not to loose yourself in modeling details that you will never see, (because you are too far away).
Here’s an article by @jlampel with some great modeling workflow tips that should help you on your way:
https://cgcookie.com/articles/6-principles-of-great-3d-modeling
Hope this helps!