I'm confident you will find a kit that will suit your budget as there are smaller cheaper versions out there but not as highly detailed. The kit I have is sort of sized in between what's available. I decided to get a 1/350 sized kit as it's not too big that it will take up too much space and it Isn't too small that I'd have to squint at the details.

It actually took me a few months to gather all the extra pieces as most of the upgrades were shipped from the USA (I think one part from China).

Since I decided to go the upgrade path, as long as the parts are available I didn't mind how long it took to get them.

I'd say it will be a huge and time consuming challenge (for me) as it is my first ship build and I'm new to the subject of boat kits, plus the addition of all the replacement PE parts will add to the schedule, I think you'd nail it in half the time if just built out of box without the extra detail.

I'll more than likely start on this in the following year 2023 as soon as renovations in my house are complete as I have no model building area for the time being.

Tere.