With the know issue in regard to the ill fitting naceles to wing attachment points, unlike the ICM Marauder, I decided to start with the wings.
1st to remove the center roof panel that was moulded on the RH upper wing half.
Next is to assemble the LH side wing panels.
Another issue to fix is the large gap within the landing housing. Too far apart to clamp shut so filling this in will be addressed later in the build.
On the RH side wing halves was this large mold release point which caused the outer wing panels to not close at the seams. Sanding this off resolved that problem.
Once the wings were assembled, next was to check if it is possible to continue with out installing the landing gear until towards the end of the project. But the design will not allow that, so next up is to assemble the main gear.
Funny after assembly the LH wing panels, the landing lamp on this side did not have a gap like the RH side.
Before moving on to the landing gear, I attached the LH half of the gear/engine nacelle to the wing. Which shows that nasty gap at point of contact.
A resin upper rear roof panel is attached just aft of the main gear bay roof.
The resin wheel bay front and rear walls that will be installed as I assemble the interior of the nacelles.
After the cement sets on the nacelle, closest fit possible, Tamiya putty is used to fill the gap, using wet n dry 3M sandpaper, starting with 220, 320, 400 and finally 600 grit. After sanding the seam, not bad after an hour of sanding and smoothing out.
-
![](https://imodeler.com/uploads/2024/07/u/uscusn_240720_669bd9421bc33-1024x657.jpg?v=1721489730)
1. Tamiya putty applied, messy
-
![](https://imodeler.com/uploads/2024/07/u/uscusn_240720_669bd9429a451-1024x710.jpg?v=1721489730)
1. Filled in nicely after sanding
The main gear strut is quite sturdy and the contact point with in the bay is very good. The gear on the Marauder is much more solid compared to the Invader. The rear gear bay wall removed from the resin block
The strut and retracter actuators installed.
Now with both main geat struts installed, Next is to attach the front and rear bay walls.
At this time I took the opportunity to add some lead weight in the empty space between the engines and gear bay.
Once the resin bits are installed, next is to assemble and mate each nacelle.
which will be the next session,
more to follow
1 additional image. Click to enlarge.