In addition to my earlier comments on Heller's La Sirine; 1/150; and those of other modelers, here is my report on building this model.
Construction started: 1/25/2014; Construction completed 2/26/2014. Total "Hands On" construction time: 93 1/2 hours. (I keep a time sheet). This is about the 9th or 10th sailing ship model I have recently built. Each model is better than the preceding. However I still have a way to go to match some of the contributors to this forum. This model required 12 different color paints; 6 different thickness of thread; 4 types of glue. Some Squadron Putty was used on a few hull seams. Finished model approximately 18 inches long; 17 1/2 inches high; 8 inches beam at the main yardarm. Finished weight 16.8 oz. (I always add weight inside the hull, using pennies. General comments: A "fun" build. The instructions leave something to be desired. When stepping the masts I use a laser light to align the masts, fore and aft and a weighted string, one for each mast, hung from the ceiling of my workroom to align them in the vertical plane. The ratlines are, as usual for me, a real "pain". I used the plastic ratline rigging "machine" included in this kit and two others from past kits. I have modified them with thin pieces of wood glued across the arms of the "machine" to force the vertical and horizontal threads into contact with each other. Then I liberally brush on Elmer's White Glue first across the horizontal threads, then across the vertical threads. I always find it necessary to repeat this process several times. Even then, some of the threads do not adhere properly. Many feet, if not yards of thread, seem always wasted: (any suggestions are welcomed). On this ratline score, some time ago I purchased an Amati "Loom a Line", put it on my shelf, and then promptly forgot about it. Later I purchased another. When I finally tried to use one of them, I gave up in frustration. Now I have two. A total waste of time and money - unless I am not using them properly. The supposedly furled up sails provided with this kit look terrible, but I did use them. I usually "weather" my sails: first painting them with "Aged White" paint, and then when dry I very lightly dust/brush them with a light brown colored chalk dust. I like the patina that results. Makes the sails look like they have seen the sea. I tried to add all the running and standing rigging to this model. This required using some 70 plus rigging blocks from my spare parts collection: none were provided with this kit. I noted that this model is woefully short on providing appropriate main deck "tie downs" for much of the standing and running rigging. I should have been more careful in adding some of the rigging to the bowsprit mast and yard arms: seems that the tension pulled the assembly off the vertical. I installed only two of the anchors and threw the other two in my "spare parts" box There is insufficient room to mount the additional anchors. Also added was some scale chain from the rudder to the transom to prevent total loss of the rudder in heavy seas. I painted the ship's name, inscribed on the nameplate, using the pointy end of a toothpick. I also painted the guns a bronze color vice the black suggested. I think the bronze color looks much better. I also added oars, painted white, to the ship's boats and made the boats and the oars fast to the main deck. I reduced the size of the flags so they looked more appropriate. Seems to me that the lines of the ship's hull would be more attractive without the "birdcages" at the bow that the model called for. I have been on a ship in heavy seas and those "bird cages" would have been promptly wiped off the hull. All in all, a good building experience. Now on to the next sailing ship kit.