the kit itself is nicely detailed but the most challenging aspect was keeping the parts to stay on after gluing. if something fell off it was difficult to find a place to hold the model as you are re-gluing the part. then something else would fall off 

I will admit in the beginning I thought I had bit off more than I could chew. It took several days to complete and I a very pleased with taking the time prime paint and glue it and letting it dry before doing the next step.
I may buy another one.

The kit is well designed. The detail level is great. The kit does look large for N, but the measurements match up precisely with the prototype. I did replace the included plastic wheels with 28” metal wheels. I also swapped the engine side covers for a see through mesh. It would be nice if the kit included some cab glass, but it was easy enough to source my own. I’m glad my N Scale mow crew has the regulator to help smooth things out!

  As usual with SM products the box is presented well with the soft metal parts neatly packaged in a crystal clear plastic container. 
  Upon opening the box we find a bag of detailed metal parts including Micro Trains Line wheels for track placement. There is also a sprue of well done Photo-etch parts that include highly detailed cab parts. 
  Assembly started with the broom end of the machine. Be sure to check fitment of the shroud before glueing into desired position. 
  One thing to note; the main body is flanged on each end, this simplifies detail painting if you do not glue the plow and broom assemblies as each one is grooved and designed to slide into the flange. The ballast box arms on the sides fit well with some light trimming, again the struts can be cut to fit for desired position, I chose a fixed down position. The PE vents that fit into the cowl do so nicely with no trimming needed. Some of the ballast regulators used out in the field run with no vents on the side of the cowl. The engine is detailed so well that I might eventually remove the vents on my model to reveal the crisp motor detail. 
   Transparency film was used to close the cab up after airbrushing and sealing with Alclad clear. If you go this route (will be using method provided by SM in future) be sure to cut at least .5-1mm away from edges. Also Future is your friend (to prevent fogging). Care must be taken when handling cab before the roof is attached. 
  Very pleased with the overall detail and ease of assembly of this kit. A great addition to any layout!