Bang!! LOL Just kiddin'. 
I'd say the easiest one to start is the Defender. The Mining Ship is also a pretty beginner friendly model too. The current Galactica from the new series is a little sharp in places where as the screen version isn't so much. We'll be doing a new NEW Galactica and Pegasus model later this year hopefully.
As for thickness of card, for ships, I use 160gsm card. Though for smaller parts or those that are curved alot, I use 120gsm.
Just had a look at Ragnar Anchorage. Looks pretty cool, I'll have to go back there for a closer look.

I'd say the easiest one to start is the Defender. The Mining Ship is also a pretty beginner friendly model too. The current Galactica from the new series is a little sharp in places where as the screen version isn't so much. We'll be doing a new NEW Galactica and Pegasus model later this year hopefully.
As for thickness of card, for ships, I use 160gsm card. Though for smaller parts or those that are curved alot, I use 120gsm.
Just had a look at Ragnar Anchorage. Looks pretty cool, I'll have to go back there for a closer look.
