Now to start with the evidence that I am actually nuts and starting this project.
I almost didn't even want to open the box because it looked so perfect. Well, that didn't last very long.
![](https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-WalBhSxKNRI/VERVoxJTN7I/AAAAAAAAAXA/-CmjgLGBMHs/w673-h505-no/IMG_0542.JPG)
I have to say, however, that the box art is quite stunning.
When you first open the box, you are presented with a plethora of wrapped sprues, a ziploc of instructions, photo etch, and wooden deck, a stand base, an easy 150 piece puzzle and a hull, measuring about 2 feet. You can't see it at this point, but take my word for it; that bag was pretty full.
![](https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-n68KPGYoHNY/VERYgSEP5vI/AAAAAAAAAXo/7Kg3VoSxqOg/w673-h505-no/IMG_0543.JPG)
I figured I would start easy...
![](https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-4X3ER83WgR0/VERZmpNA8dI/AAAAAAAAAX0/Pmba-_-f55U/w673-h505-no/IMG_0544.JPG)
The hull is in the background, still in its plastic bag.
The wooden deck, 1 sheet of it anyways. It will be a whole new thing for me...
![](https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-51aaxj1MJDE/VERaGsQ0qsI/AAAAAAAAAX8/JGrw_UkCgmE/w673-h505-no/IMG_0545.JPG)
Other than the sprues on the top right corner of the table, this signifies the start of the roller coaster, ummm, I mean project.
![](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZKUR3uSAByY/VERafuCtzhI/AAAAAAAAAYE/vdK_7J9rbR8/w673-h505-no/IMG_0546.JPG)
![](https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-QwNfdWiX2qk/VERa6UYkQVI/AAAAAAAAAYM/jPo71U8lXqU/w673-h505-no/IMG_0547.JPG)
The stand is actually kinda nice. I think, though, I will spend some $$ on a pair of finials, as the set that comes with the kit is 4 halves to be glued to its pair, and between you and me, I would rather not have the seam line going down the middle. I also did notice that the colours of each half is slightly more or less gold. Huh.
Not pleased about that.
As for the gold, kinda cheesy, mini-ship in the middle, it will not be used.