I am pleased to announce the start of my current project. A French Cebec as kitted by Aeropiccola. I have had to search for a scale since it is not given on the box. By the way, this is a kit from 1971. What I have been able to determine is the scale as given on other Italian Model Forums as 1/40. That gives the length of the hull = 29 1/4" or 2 foot 51/4 inches long. Width of hull 7 inches. So, what this means is for the type of hull, the model builds into a rather large vessel. This is a as I have been able to find called, Cebec, Xebec or Zebec, Arabic for small ship . So, this is a 1750 French built vessel to combat Piracy as was also used by the Pirates. The then French vessels as used were not able to engage these types of ships and therefore decided to fight fire with fire and put their own spin into this what was then called the Greyhound of the Seas. Much can be found on the French vessel Le Requin, which I may be wrong but means Shark. The Indiscret was built at the same time as the Le Requin. These vessels were armed to the teeth and a very formable foe to come against. The Indiscret carried, 24 guns and weighed 260 tons. French built the following Chebecs: Ruse, Serpent, Requin(Shark) and Indiscret. You got to just love these names. I purchased from one of the best sellers I have ever had the pleasure of dealing with on eBay for a very good price. The kit appears to have been well stored and though it is from 1971, the kit looks like it was made yesterday. Sure, the wood has had more than enough to dry out, but other than rubber bands that melted, I believe the kit is buildable with what is in the kit. If not, wood is easily enough replaced. The fittings are pristine. There was a bonus I have never seen in another Italian mfg kit, a Italian to English Dictionary called a Small Dictionary for Shipbuilders! Has already proved invaluable reading the plans. I am retired, enjoying what time the Good Lord has allowed me, I am not a speed builder so bear with me. I am at this time working on the keel/rabbit.