ok all , this has been on my list for a while.. every once in a while ive seen one on ebay. for this i had to order from BNA hobbies in Australia. SOooo... i have been building plastic models , mostly ships since age 8 like many of you. THIS is something i have never seen before (more like experienced) ... never have seen a kit presented in such a fine manner.. like a crown jewel. ive seen many "special addition" , "platinum" etc etc.. but this one is a league unto itself. the packaging... lets start there... unreal. the outer sleave of the box is artwork... then sliding it off, you get what looks like a vintage hardcover massive book that opens up like a book and is made of very thick book cover material. you open it and the hull is there in a "felt" lined spot like you just found some hidden treasure. ok then... the instruction manual is a hardcover book unto itself! ive just never seen anything like this. the nameplate of the stand is an actual engraved piece of metal , the hull comes colored and is very quality.. i think it may just need light "weather wash" , or definitely dullcoat. you dont need any aftermarket at all , but i couldnt resist getting the wooden deck set to add a bit of "organicness". seeing how it comes out , i may add some coiled lines or oil drums lashed someplace like a real steamer would have. it does leave you with a tough choice though... to weather or not to weather... its such a fine kit that it would look great as is , but this type of vessel screams out for some rust streaks and salt treatment. it also comes with internal USD led light strip. anyhow heres the journey... i applied the hull "stickers" and couldnt help trying out some of the decking which was sourced separately on ebay. only one piece was damaged... the stern rail on one section. its bummer but i may be able to heat and fix it
