What do I think? I think you are amazing Carrie. You are taking on and making models that any seasoned modeller would be proud of. Please don't think I am saying this because of you being a female, I am saying it because you are a good modeller, keep going you are an inspiration to us all and a fine example of how hands on help and encouragement can work so well in developing modelling skills in a beginer. Perhaps we should all join clubs as well as the forum in the hope of getting that hands on learning.
The building will be a challange, I have started one and backed off a bit, they are not easy but You go for it, really looking forward to progress pics.