Starting with the seat we start the process of assembling. Looking forward to what lies ahead hearing some of the negative stuff in how this kit goes together. Well if you worked on a Monogram kit some can be labor intensive but in the end a great model comes about. I think with the new generation high tech kits and their over engineering makes an easier build. Some are disappointed with the amount of work that needs to be put into the newer kits and not easier especially with the fiddly bits and pieces. The seat is of 3 pieces to start with and simple to assemble. The cushion is painted Life Color Olive Drab, the sides are painted Tamiya Flat Black. Next using Eduards PE zoom set I install the seat belts and eject handle. Once that is done next to work on the cockpit tub and install the side PE side consoles, along the way silver pencil is use for some wear areas on the floor. I test fit the rear bulkhead and seat into the tub. Glad I did as the location of the rear bulkhead is vague in the instructions when it is time to install in the forward fuselage. Put that aside and next to apply the PE instrument panel on the kit panel. Also to paint the control stick handle before installing that into the tub. So far parts are going together well, no issues with fitment and alignments seat fits in the tub perfect, tight but not in a way to force it in. A little wash is applied on the bulkhead and tub to bring out some details.

Next time we finish up with the nose gear bay. Thanks for viewing.

18 attached images. Click to enlarge.

Taking shape!

After finishing up the nose gear portion, I test fit the assembly to RH fuselage half and then taped the LH side half to check alignment and noticed that a portion of the cockpit tub extended beyond the rear edge of the nose section. Didn't seem right to me. So I taped the rear fuselage section and test fitted the nose and I was correct, it would not fit right. Checking to make sure the tub was fully set in place as far up as it should go. It was so my solution was to just trim off the excess plastic which what is was. And that took care of that. I also have notice the locating pins and slot fitment into the locating holes are very tight and need some trimming to sit properly. Otherwise you have to force in. For the most part so far despite that, once I overcome these little annoyances the parts will fit ok. Just take your time and be patient with this. Next up is the avionics bay in the nose. This fits on the LH side of the nose and went in with no issues. Good fit here. At this time a nose weight was placed right behind the bay. I will leave the smaller compartment open and will have the main bay door closed. And with great happiness the door fit into the opening very well. I added the PE electronic boxes into small compartment only. A minor gap only that I will fix when we get to the seam clean up process. Next up to finally assemble the nose by closing it all up. Everything sealed nicely as the cement set. To complete this portion of the nose assy was by attaching the Instrument panel coaming to it's location over the instrument panel. Again the locating pins were very tight here. With that I put the nose aside and next up is the rear fuselage section. So far so good. Accept for the tightness of some of the location pins and slots, not really fighting this at all. Lots of parts but nothing that is difficult yet. More to follow.

12 attached images. Click to enlarge.

This kit has all kind of internal goodies. Which can make it kind've labor intensive if your not careful. So far though it's the build is going well. Some minor issues but nothing that can easily be overcome.

You have been very busy my friend ! And the progress you have made looks great !

Now with the nose and main fuselage coupled as a single unit, time to work on the rear section. 1st some seam work as at this point it is easy to work those areas to clean up the work done so far. No wings or tails in the way for some sanding. Next to work on the rear lower section in adding the lower panel between the engines. First big hiccup encountered here. So far everything to this point has lined up and fallen into place. But her we have a sizeable gap to fill with a slight step. I will work on this later. Next the filler panels are installed towards the extreme end of the tail. Fit is ok here. A little filler and clean up here nothing major. Now moving on forward a bit, I will next install the intakes. Instead of being a one piece unit, they are in 2 halves which works in this case in which I can manipulate the parts into an easy seamless part once installed. This cat is slowly starting to look like a Jag. More to follow.

16 attached images. Click to enlarge.

Good eye also the Lancaster as well. The Dinah is progressing well. The Mustang is now finished and will do a presentation of it as well as Tamiya's MiG-15 later this month. I am also starting the F4U Birdcage Corsair so a few projects going on in the pipeline.

Thanks Ferry, coming along slowly. Lot of parts in this kit. But enjoying the build and progress so far.