Was a bit apprehensive at first to build the ship, but once got started enjoyed the challenge. I first painted the hull and waterline plate (painting the waterline plate in a coco-brown)...then painted the flight deck taping off the deck to allow for the tan landing area, then placed the decals on the deck as called for in the instructions after attaching the deck to the hull. The rest was fairly easy to put together, but I left the 4 AA platforms attached near the bow where the plan called for their removal. Put the aerial antenna in the cruising position, and painted all the planes that came with kit and attached them. Used a German Dunkelgreen for the planes, and earth brown to put some camo marking on the bombers.