Thanks for the colour photo as the one I have is B &W. I have heard of the Facebook page however I am not a fan of it or twitter to be honest. Yes the ornate work is intimidating that's why I chose this vessel for this very reason. I want a challenge and this project will definitely give it to me. I have one project I must get finished before I start my build. I am just in the process of reconfiguring a diorama for our local library. I have modelled an island scene with miniature 54 mm toy soldiers. The genera is Nemo's War the Mysterious Island. Once I get it finished then I will start on my SIB. Also I joined SIBAA and David Lavoie was gracious enough to give me the first years subscription for free. What a gentleman to say the least.
I am in the research mode right now and following some builders namely John Fox III, Heather Gabrielle Rodgers, Juan Rodriquez del Barrio, and a Frenchman whose name escapes me at the moment as well as yourself here on MSW. For a little warm up I am just about finished a WW1 battleship at 1/6000 scale just for kicks! Anyway I love the work you are doing and it has been a great inspiration plus your techniques are sound.
Respectfully,
Jeff