Thanks Wayne.
Got a couple of coats of Humbrol acrylic Gloss Clear done, and I'll let this harden until tomorrow afternoon, and given that it's glossy enough, I can then start on the decals.
Meanwhile, I'm working on the undercarriage, and need to figure out the best assembly sequence, allowing for the lack of articulation in my knackered hands, as I have to add extra "rods" to the door guards / rams.
From the B.XVI onwards, these were slightly more complex than earlier variants, as shown below. I also need to drill-out the lightening holes in the mudguard mounts, and add brake lines to the main legs.
Pic 1. The extra door guard "rods", as seen on the B.35/TT.35 at Cosford. Note also the lightening holes in the mudguard mounts.
Pic 2. The Tamiya kit parts, being for a B.IV / FB.VI, have the earlier, simplified guards. Extra parts will be added, using either thin brass or copper wire, or stretched sprue.
Pic 3. The kit mudguards, showing the "plain" supports, which need to have the lightening holes drilled out. Sorry about the "camera shake" in this shot - damned hands !
Thanks again to all who have either encouraged, commented or just popped in for a butcher's. and I should have another up-date later tomorrow.