This is a model for an advanced modeler - and one who has lots of time and patience. It requires very detailed study and thought on skimpy picture instructions. Mostly written in French w/ a very confusing English summary page. As usual, Heller parts do not fit well - lots of adjusting and monkeying required. For instance, gun port covers, perhaps one of more important aspects of the ship, fit poorly and require much tinkering and filing to look good. Have body putty available for other areas. Even painting instructions are baffling. Foe some reason, almost all of the small parts are cast in brilliant red plastic. Yikes! Plastic is soft and masts will eventually bend w/o metal reinforcing rods inside. Detail painting is very tedious. Don't tackle this unless you want to devote hours and hours of love.