I have built a few plastic model kits before, but this was my very first steam engine project. Honestly, I was a little intimidated when I opened the box because of all the brass and stainless parts. But once I started following the instructions step by step, it was surprisingly doable. It took me about 7 hours across two evenings, and the moment I fired it up for the first time was unforgettable. The little flywheel started spinning, the sound of steam filled the room, and I couldn��t help but smile. It felt like bringing history to life. For a beginner, I'd say it's challenging but not frustrating��just the right balance.