Almost done now. All of the small antenna etc are in place, and the forward cockpit area is now complete, just a few small details to finish, plus some tidying here and there, and she'll be done.
PIC 1. Both of the inner transparent side screens are in place and painted. Just need to add the ejection seat head guard / arming system and the canopy, which will be the final parts once the model is on the base.
PIC 2. The anti-buffet holes in the speed brake were drilled out, before fitting the brake and the actuator ram, slightly drooped.
PIC 3. Static vents have been added to each wing tip, made from stretched sprue, and the kit- supplied radio altimeter antenna added. These have yet to be painted.
PIC 4. The IFF blade aerials have been added under the nose, replacing the slightly thick moulded items snapped off earlier, and again, stretched and flattened sprue was used for these.
PIC 5. The pitot head and nose sensor probe have been fitted. The latter has yet to be sealed around the edges, and painted, after straightening the tip !
PIC 6. I decided to fit the Atol 'Soviet Sidewinders' afterall. The forward fins have been glued in place, and moulding seams removed from the body, and the tail fins thinned down. The rocket exhaust has been drilled out, with a piece of wire temporarily inserted to aid handling during painting. The strip of masking tape is to ensure a bare area, after painting, to help when gluing the missiles to the rails.
All that remains now is to finish building-up the navigation lights, using PVA and clear red and green paints, plus a few small bits here and there. If I have time, I'll make a boarding ladder, and place the model on a suitable base, possibly with the 'pilot' disembarking.
Thanks again for your interest and complimentary comments, and I should have the final pics in the next day or two - Physio Terrorist permitting (there again tomorrow) !!