It is fairly hard and will tire you out. When you see the boards in the store you see just how nice a finish you can get on it due to its hardness. No fuzzy surfaces, you can get this stuff very slick. I also prefer it for thin parts like wings. Basswood trailing edges can slowly break/wear away as you build. Poplar can take an edge so sharp it will cut you, I know from personal experience! I looked at harder woods due to reading up on the ship model guys. They swear by it, especially for carvings. Poplar is not used for ship models and furniture because it turns green as it ages, but that's what they make paint and stain for. I love the stuff. It's also fairly cheap.
