I really do appreciate your random act of kindness. A lot of that going around lately.. Something the world could do more of these days.

Encountered my first hiccup, While removing the front lower engine cowlings, I noticed one of them looked kind've unusual. Now all the parts were still in their bags when I popped the lid for the 1st time. Yet somehow one of the cowlings has been near a heat source of some kind. Just a minor oops but it will have to be fixed. This kit has not been near anything that gets hot. The tires are still in their bags as it looks just like a Tigercat when one of the rubber tires touches the plastic for a time. Funny how this part suffered some kind of heat damage. Oh well got them both installed again careful with alignment to minimize seam clean up. With the front lower cowling installed, next was to install the instrument panel to the front upper coaming before assembling it to the fuselage. Once in it sits well back under that coaming, even with the side windows down and open canopy it will be difficult to see it. Next up the upper nose panels are next and I will install the RH side first then the LH side to minimize again all them seams around the nose. And with that more to follow.

7 attached images. Click to enlarge.

Looking good Chuck.

A minor update, this phase I added the weights in the nose, Then some more weights in the nose cap as well and installed it carefully, yet still managed to not end up with a perfect fit. While letting that set for a bit. Next was to add the stabs on the outer portion of the tail booms. Then next to work over the seams through out the airframe, engine nacelles, tail booms and of course the nose. Lots of work to look forward too, sheesh. With that the airframe is completed. More to follow.

8 attached images. Click to enlarge.

You're coming right along Chuck... It will be green and gray before you know it...

Looks good !

Louis, I have two shades of OD en route for the Lightning. Should have them this weekend though most likely won't start painting as yet.

The different shades of OD green will really help you achieve the weathered look that happened with the OD colors fairly fast. The harsh environment combined with increased UV exposure took it's toll pretty quickly ...

Looking at some of the photographs of the aircraft in theatre, you can see the heavy use of these aircraft in this environment. Don't want to over do the wear and tear, but will try to represent a well worn airframe.