Hi,
I'm also building this kit. I started it as a first-timer a year ago. It was an interim project (I usually model injection kits), and in my first foray completed the hull and decks, internal planking and parapets. I've come back to it now 10 months later to begin small-cut and decorative work.
I too have found it hard, but wasn't sure if it was down to my inexperience entirely. While the Panart English booklet is helpful, I'm still left scratching my head over some of the diagrams, as they are sequential only up to a point, and it's not always clear which parts should be made up first, to avoid reaching across finished work later to install other parts (a little spoiled by injection-build instructions, I admit). I work with the simplest tools - no lathe, jig, or other, so I guess I put myself at a disadvatage to start with.
I've just spent two hours with a file clearing excess brass-pouring from a piece of fretwork for the hull/bow.
The photo here was taken a couple of days ago, just before I set to work again, to remind me of the starting point this time (model shipwrights, look away now!).
As you can see, I prefer colour and a range of wood tones, but that's a personal preference.
Good luck on your build.
