Ed,

Granted!  I remember the reviews for their 1943 Scharnhorst, that the 20mm guns were kits in themselves.  Simplicity is the reason that I suggested the 1/800 line of carriers.

Bill

Have the Scharnhorst '43, and the booklet on her and her sister just flat out say that it is the best kit for her in 1/350, and yeah, lots of mini-kits in that box.

Gamera - Dragon also does the Benson class Laffey in 1/350.  Have her as well, not started but looked it over.  Looks like a winner with lots of fiddly stuff to swear at, but not as much as Scharnhorst.

I have the Scharnhorst '43 and the '41.  I completed both and enjoyed them immensely. Yes, I felt that they were overengineered to some extent, but I also feel that that gave me a better model.  Granted, I have been building model ships since 1960; I should be able to deal with a little complexity by now.  

Bill

Thanks Goldhammer, just looking though all my options here.

And I have no idea where the original poster went or if he decided on anything but all of you have been a big help to me so a hearty THANK YOU all around.