This is a very easy kit to build. Each ship only has maybe 12 or so pieces to it. Since the construction is so easy, it frees you up to concentrate on the details. The molding on the hulls and deck is very good - making it easy to weather them accurately. Even the harbor water diorama base is well molded and lends itself to easy detail work if one is so inclined. One warning though, if you build the entire running train (propeller and rudder) on the Merrimac, you will have to cut some clearance in the diorama base to make room for the rudder.