This kit was originally boxed by Minicraft as two separate kits: the short nose prototype and the long nose interim version. In this release the parts and decals for both versions are in the same box. The present release has relatively little flash and the decals cover both versions and look to have good color density. I have a pair of the original kits and I managed to borrow a new kit from a fellow modeler and the instructions on the new kit are better than the original kits and the plastic moldings seem to be a little cleaner than the earlier kits. Your color schemes are silver lacquer with chrome yellow wings or intermediate blue and light grey. There is a third possible scheme if you desire and you like little nostalgia mixed in with your modeling. Fundekals made a set for this kit that allows you to model all of the Blackhawks squadron. They are very colorful and they're a break from the norm. Eduard made a photoetched cockpit set for it and they are still quite a few of them out there. These are a fairly simple build and I think even a beginner could handle one with a little help. It would look good displayed next to a F7F Tigercat.