I built the 1/96 scale USS Constitution. wonderfully detailed and a lot of fun! definitely NOT for beginners, nor for even experienced younger model builders due to the very intricate details. However, there is ONE problem you should be aware. In the first instruction manual (the first is the build, the second is all rigging) the instructions inform you that if you wish to depict the ship with full sails, then the yard arms on the masts should be in the angled position according to the picture (pages 36, 38 and 40). DO NOT DO THIS.....PLACE THEM SQUARE TO THE BOW AND STRAIGHT!!!!! With the yard arms at the angle, not only will the ratlines NOT fit, but none of the rigging will align properly. I found out the hard way and had to cut the yard arms off and reset them. Other than that, it is a wonderful model, and worth the challenge.

I am halfway through the full kit; just completed the standing rigging, taking a break and then on to the much more difficult running rigging. This is my third one in my lifetime. The first I built right after college, got as far as the standing rigging and had it destroyed by the family cat. The cat lived, but paid for it big-time for the rest of his miserable life. The second I built in the late 70's to full sail (with some notable areas of extreme difficulty in the inner running rigging). I had that model for eighteen years until I moved across the country and it had too much fatigue to survive the trip. As fir this kit, I admit I did not buy it from Hobbylinc. I bought it very used (it still had the Glencoe Ave, Venice address. I got it used from a local hobby store (one of only two in Albuquerque) for fifty dollars. It was complete when I started; but, thanks to Revell service, I was able to replace small parts I lost along the way so far. it is going well, but I did need a break. I have built about thirty WWII aircraft kits along the way, all from Hobbylinc. I will get back to it soon. It was, and is, a magnificent kit. Its detail is wonderful. its fit, with the exception of hull deck assemble, is great The biggest reason I wrote this review id to maybe warn parents of kids below the teens to buy this kit. it is not for a beginner, in any way. But you do learn a lot from the kit; building models, ship construction and history, and a very real and present example of American history. I hope I live long enough to finish it.

I did this in the 1/350 scale and was a very detailed Scale, not for the Beginner modelers. Be rdy to spend some time and if detailed properly it will intrigue every one!This Scale its so Large and waiting to try this one, the scale i did took me a 1yr+ !