I haven't read all the responses so if I'm repeating anything I apologize.
First and foremost... There is NO SUCH THING as a big project. Think of it as a series of small projects and do them one (or two while waiting for pats) at a time.
Second... BAG AND TAG!
Third... Take photos of everything from all different angles.
Fourth... Have no timetable. This is a hobby. It's supposed to be fun. Don't put pressure on yourself. When the project is done no one is going to care how long it took, what problems you had, what crisis was going on in your life at the time - your efforts are going to be judged on the final product so take your time and try to have fun.
BTW, if you think you got rust welcome to the crowd.
