I did this kit after the VIIB and found it much easier. The parts are sturdier. My one complaint is some of the PE parts have no plastic equivalents, so, if you don’t put the PE part on, you end up with nothing there. I think both plastic and PE parts should be included. I’m a novice builder, so I don’t use PE parts. This is a fine kit and I enjoyed putting it together and the end product. But, think advanced modelers will appreciate it more.

Overall a great little boat. I've been impressed with Hobby Boss aircraft kits, and my first experience with a Hobby Boss ship was similarly impressive. It was a fun modeling experience in general as my first departure from aircraft. It was approximately a '2-weekend' build with painting and clear coating. An efficient or experienced modeler could probably build/paint it in 1 weekend. Good detail for such a small model and very good fit/finish. Shaft/screw/rudder/stern dive plane assembly was a challenge to build and paint, but doable with care and patience. I struggled with PE parts (no previous experience), as they are delicate, difficult to shape perfectly to model, and had no attachment tabs. I only used the sail 'winter garden' deck plating PE part provided in the kit. I felt omitting the remaining PE parts or using provided plastic substitutes where available would look better than my rookie effort trying to add them. A modeler with PE experience (particularly ship railings) would likely value the PE parts. Adding line/thread for the fore and aft antennas of the model would be a fairly simple mod and a great visual addition, especially if fit to the provided PE antenna mounts. Provided PE display stand is attractive, but difficult to glue together unless you have 4 hands. Also, thin edges of the metal display stand may slice/scratch/nick painted model without additional treatment. Hull is 2-piece, so I believe omitting the lower hull would provide an accurate 'waterline' model, if desired. Gluing about a dozen stainless steel BB's in the bottom of the lower hull allows proper upright floating in water. (I can't help myself - boats gotta float!)