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Crimea_River said:Good stuff John. I personally like Eduard kits but they can tend to be a bit "over-engineered". For example, their Bf-110 kits have individual exhaust stubs - 24 of them for crying out loud! However, the surface details are second to none and the fit is generally pretty good, if you're careful. I built their Dora kit and loved it. Many seem to hate it, claiming fit issues that I didn't have.
I share your dislike of the finish on their instrument panels and the solution you have used is exactly what I do. A flat coat makes them look so much better. As for the pre-painted parts, I often hand paint over them anyway as many don't match the colours I use for the rest of the cockpit.
John, I just read your comment on my build and you mentioned you might be missing something. I've got a few books and some web links if you need anything. If you're stuck on something, stop, put the word out and chances are very great someone will have the answer. One thing most people miss are the two cut-out in the upper fuselage, just over the instrument panel. This allowed outside light to illuminate the panel...
View attachment 268814View attachment 268815
...check yours to see if there are two circular "panel lines" there.
Geo
I've been contemplating that question too. Due to how short the stacks are and the orientation of the openings, I'm leaning towards putting them in now and touching them up after the camo painting. I've also read at least one person putting them in AFTER the fuselage halves go together but prior to putting on the front cowl. If the front cowl fits well, the natural border that the cowling band creates may allow it to be attached after painting... so that's another option.Coming along nicely. I've been looking at the exhausts and I'm going to see if I can leave them off until the camo painting is complete otherwise masking is going to be a nightmare.