Exactly. While it was pointed-out to me last year that the Z-25 was not a beginner's ship, I'd built detailed static model ships in the past before that, atop which I somewhat-sucessfully built a fast-gun 1/144 USS Gearing (when I was in high school, with the assistance of my father). Building and arming the fast-gun Gearing cost me approximately as much as it would have likely cost to arm a big gun Des Moines with two fully-armed rotating main turrets. If there is no convincing you to consider a larger, surface vessel as a first ship, be advised that you'll want to go with the absolute largest submarine possible and seek out the advice of those who have been able to get working subs in the water, before you commit to beginning your build.
