Ab, the historical context you place your models in is very interesting. Come to think of it, I've never really understood how such a small territory like "Holland" was able to produce such a vast number of ships and play such a leading commercial role in the world of those days. At the same time the modest number of inhabitants was the weakness of the VOC and its sister company in the West Indies, the WIC. They were traders in the first place and did not have the primary goal to colonize. From a military point of view they were no strong organizations - and ultimately that's the reason why the British took over this world dominancy in the second half of the 18th century.
Your project will definetely deliver an impressive end result so do continue! Negotiate a good place for it with your wife. Help, mijn man heeft een hobby
!
Cheers,
Erik