Thanks Bluebird,
I have commenced the warship (1870s ish pre-dreadnought), but I'm still very keen to build the puffer so what you have said will certainly be useful.
I am definitely finding the other users on here helpful and friendly. Hopefully I won't ask too many questions and annoy everyone.
I have already received the plans from FLJ for his Swordfish after being recommended it by so many others as a good starter model.
If I'm still doubting my ability after the dreadnought then I may use FLJ's Swordfish as another tutorial to follow before I start building solely off plan.
Thanks again to everyone for their help and advice.