A quick up-date, showing the corrected paintwork, and what's required next.
PICS 1 to 3 show the re-touching and, where necessary, the new clear matt coat, making it look much better than before.
I wasn't bothered about displaying the gun bay open, but as the hatch cover was less than a perfect fit in the closed position, and with an otherwise bland exterior, I decided that a bit of contrast wouldn't do any harm, so the bay will be open, and some detail added. As this could be an awkward exercise once the undercart, doors etc have been fitted, the work will be carried out next.
PIC 4 shows the 'Vulcan' gun and the (inside of the) hatch cover as supplied in the ESCI kit.
PIC 5. Shows the gun temporarily clipped in place inside the bay.
The gun itself is a reasonably accurate representation, but will have some 'extras' added, and if possible the ammo feed will be improved too; the kit part has what appears to be the canvas cover over the feed chute and breech feed tray, but I'd prefer to show the flexible ammo feed chute if possible. The bay itself is again fairly accurate in layout, but some plumbing, wiring and other bits will be added and, with the bay painted white, this should provide a neat contrast to the dull green overall.
The inside of the hatch covers are quite well done for the time, but aren't totally accurate, and will have the framework corrected, and the ejector pin marks removed, before being separated into two separate hatch covers, painted white, and attached in the open position, with the support ram in place, near the end of the build.
Note that some panel lines, lost during the re-touching, have yet to be added to the forward fuselage, and the AoA probe will be added, along with a couple of other small antennae, at this time too.