Thanks for the good wished chaps, and apologies for the delay.
Finally got a little bit to show, after quite a few hours work!
As I was preparing to replace the lost serial number decals on the port fin, I couldn't help thinking something looked wrong. Numpty nuts here had got the I.D. stripe proportions wrong!
Instead of a 12 inch band on the fin, and 18 inch bands on the tail planes, I'd painted the bl**dy things the opposite way around!
So, out with the masking tape, and the corrections were made. The individual serial number decals were then applied, and again, I dropped a b*ll*ck, as I used the wrong style for the figure '2' - twice!
I'll put it down to this persistent cold and a thick head!
The offending decals were lifted, after copious applications of Micro Sol and water, and the correct style number 2 decals inserted into the two spaces. Once set and cleaned, a coat of Tamiya gloss clear was applied, and I will not be using this stuff again!
Even after a week, with the varnish apparently dry and hard, finger marks were seen, virtually 'burned' into the varnish, where I'd been handling the wings and fuselage whilst working on the pitot and bomb racks.
Some other detail work has been completed, and the model is almost ready for the matt clear coat. Apologies for the mixed colour cast in some of the pics.
PIC 1. The corrected I.D. bands, and renewed serial number. I also noticed that the rudder trim-tab actuator is moulded on the wrong side, but it's a bit late to correct this now, without causing damage.
PICS 2 and 3. The integrally moulded VHF antenna mast suffered during handling, but I'd intended to replace it anyway, as it should be positioned off-center, to port.
A pair of small holes were drilled in the correct position, and a new mast added, sourced from a left-over from the Academy P-38 kit, modified slightly. Once fully set, it will be cleaned, sanded lightly, and then painted Olive Drab.
PIC 4. The rather vague, integrally moulded pitot tube also suffered, so this was replaced by a length of aluminium tube and brass rod, and will be painted before the matt coat is applied.
PIC 5. The bombs provide in the kit will not be used, as a pair of 1,000 Pounders will be used, from the Academy P-47 kit. In order to provide a firm attachment to the pylons, brass pins have been fitted, and holes drilled in the bomb casings. The sway braces are also from the Academy kit, part of a bag of 'extras' which came with one of the Arii kits, and test fitting shows that these match-up nicely to the bombs. The sway braces and the bomb release beam will be painted next.
PICS 6 to 8. Canopy and windscreen masked, internal colour applied, with the inside of the frames also painted in the areas which will be visible, and exterior, bare metal finish brush painted. This will be toned-down slightly, and the visble adhesive residue from the tape removed, once the horrible Humbrol 'bright silver' has fully cured. External details will also be added. The 'Interior Green' on the frames looks a bit strange in the pics, due to the lighting and the green background.
Hopefully, I'll get some more done over the weekend. Thanks again for your interest and good wishes.