The big problem with models of ancient galleys at the moment is that the scholarship regarding them has recently undergone some major revisions. The construction of a full-sized replica Greek trireme, by some extremely well-qualified archeologists and shipwrights in association with the Hellenic Navy, has caused scholars to revise their thinking about how these ships operated - and looked. I can't claim to have kept up thoroughly with all that's been written, but I'd be nervous about any of the existing kits. My impression is that all of them were issued before the replica, whose name, I believe, is
Olympias, was built.
We had a most interesting discussion of this topic in this forum some months back. A member from Greece gave us some links to the
Olympias project; those links contained some fascinating photos. I just found that thread (the "Advanced Search" function on this site really works); it should now appear just below this one on the topic list.
One outstanding book on the subject, which I'd encourage everybody interested in it to read:
The Age of the Galley, in the
Conway's History of the Ship series. This book is, to my knowledge, the most up-to-date major source on ancient warships. In its original hardbound form it's pretty pricey, but there's good news: the whole
Conway's History of the Ship series has just been republished in paperback at about half the original price. In that form all twelve volumes are excellent buys - and belong in the library of any ship enthusiast.
Youth, talent, hard work, and enthusiasm are no match for old age and treachery.