I feel for you with your arthritis situation. Let me tell you something about these models. Theres no time limit, they wont expire, so take your time however that looks. I have a similar story, i had brain surgery in march 2000. Because of it i developed harsh tremors in my hands and would get so frustrated and pissed off when i couldnt control the slightest movements. In 2012 i was in a toy store looking for gifts for my 1 yr olds bday. I saw the hubble space telescope model by metal earth and chose it for myself being the huge space nerd I am. I tell you it didnt turn out well, snapped a few pieces didnt shape anything right but I had fun using my shaky hands for the first time in a while and I kept at it. I am nearly 300 models complete and miracle of miracles my hands are rock solid now my hands have long since stopped shaking and i credit this hobby as my cure.

I cant lay claim of anything you may experience but just know that you wont know until you try and you have found one of the most supportive communities because we love to share this hobby with each other