Hi Scott.

 Aircraft Carrier models run the gauntlet from real soft on detail to extreme. So one has to select their model according to how detail averse you are. Are you willing for example to assemble and paint 200 microscale aircraft.

 For a first time ship model to build, ( hopefully Guido will step in here ), a modern warship may be a good choice, as there can be a liitle less on the fine detail and will give you a good feel on model ship construction techniques.

 Also when learning the water effects of the base, if one were to screw up and wreck a model one had spent 4 plus months building could really sour one's interest in ship models.

 Myself I love ship modeling and am getting itchy feet to build another. I can get totally lost into the detail and loose all sense of time, but I'm a little crazy that way.

 Jim