This Atlantis is a big 1/96 scale kit. Larger scales are easier to work with. Precisely positioning decals will present a challenge. It will probably be easier to apply them before wings, engines, landing gear and tail parts are attached to the fuselage. I will build this plane model with gear down. Planes always look more impresive with gear down. I don't know if the kit will allow for lowered landing flaps and spoilers.