Hi MaartenAlways keep in mind these large POF kits are not for the faint of hearted, there will always be a large part of experience needed to build these, as they are really complicated models.
You can't put experience or technical skill in a manual and also a manual will never cover all topics to build a model.
The more you build the more clear it becomes, in the end you don't need a manual to build, only a parts list. Or you need it to look what you did wrong when you screwed up.
Building should be about fun, but selecting a kit way above your current skill will not provide that or you must prefer a steep learning curve.
I agree with you in that no instruction manual can substitute for experience and technical skill, or cover all possible topics of a complex model. However, very few people, even in this group with so many talented and highly accomplished builders, are up to your level of professionalism and expertise. In fact, were it not for the help provided by members through the build pictures, videos, tips, advice, the general quality of everyone's builds would not be nearly as good as it is. Everybody learns, everybody gets better. It is the closest to an apprenticeship or guild ...As I see it, a good manual saves time and at least for me, mistakes. I don't think many members of SOS could complete a ship like Alert without mistakes and in reasonable time with only a parts list, even if the parts list was complete (it isn't). At the very least, a good manual should not be detrimental, but help with the build.
Enough of that..
Your builds are inspiring and brilliant...
\Alex
