This can best be summed up as two kits. The plastic model itself is very nice, fairly well detailed, and easy to assemble. The Platinum Edition is overly engineered and needlessly complicated leading to a high level of frustration and overly complicated construction. Adding to all this is two sets of instructions, one for the photo-etch and tooled brass components, and one for the plastic kit that do not match leaving you scratching your head and searching the internet for photos of the completed model. Thankfully, Revell did provide the photo etch and brass instructions as photographs, which helps, but does not totally rectify the confusing assembly.

Additionally, one head scratcher is the total lack of photo etch deck railings. Revell calls for you to build deck rails out of the old post and string method which does not work well at all and caused me to spend an additional $54.00 on EBay for PE deck rails. Whereas the PE does produce greater detail in many areas (hatches and stairs) it is hard to produce good results on hand holds and grab rails. Take a lot of time and plan your steps. I found that in some areas the PE and brass were too complex, and the plastic kit parts sufficed nicely.

This is a nice kit for all skills in the plastic version. The Platinum Edition is recommended for experienced to advanced model builders.