Erik, thanks and you know that is a great idea. I might use that.

This cat is coming right along! Great work, Chuck!

Now a combination of decal and paint to get the anti glare panel and rear deck correctly painted in black.

Robbing the decal for the portion of the anti-glare panel that covers the forward portion of the nose and for the rear deck behind the canopy opening.
Carefully masking to paint the rest of the panel Lifecolor Gloss Black.

Next to attach those very distinctive drop tanks.

Quickie update. Next up installing the engines.

This is looking first rate, Chuck. Those twin tails are such a distinctive look - she’s a model that cries out to be built.

@uscusn

Decal time and install the exhaust nozzles. I will be using this set from Vagabond Decals for the stencils. As this will be more in line what was used in 1979/80 paint scheme.

I started from the lower rear and will make my way back to front. The stencils are from Vagabond, using a mixture of Hase and Tamiya kit decals. The Hase kit is a scheme used in 1981 on an overall Gull Grey scheme, while the Tamiya kit is Gull Grey over white as used in 79/80. The Tam VF-84 strake decal will have the strake glossy black then apply the VF-84 decal is black with yellow graphics. I used the Hase yellow strip to edge the strake.

At this point of the process which is quite time consuming, I took a break and started to install the exhaust nozzles. First the rear fuselage extensions that cover the outer part of the exhaust cone. This is the correct rounded early style extensions.

The nozzles are installed and then the extensions on both sides. Parked the petals are displayed one open, one closed.

The horizontal stabs have the "No Step" stencils applied.

The iconic "Jolly Roger" graphics and squadron code applied to the tail.

The telltale black and yellow bands are applied on both sides of the nose at the same time for alignment puposes. I used The Tamiya bands instead of the Hase set. These fit perfect. I applied the LH side first as they fit over the door step and ladder openings. Once this is aligned and set, then apply the RH side nose band to align with the LH side.

Finally applying the rest of the stencils and ID markings on the RH side of the nose.

Before going down the LH side of the fuselage to apply the decals, first I masked off and painted the Vulcan gun opening Vallejo Gun Metal.

I had first applied the LH side Jolly Roger Graphic straight on the Glossy Black, no future clear coat used on the tails. Yet overnight there was a white residue on the tail around the decals on the paint, but none on the decal itself. Tried washing it off, didn't work.

So without using any masking tape as it would most likely pull the decal off, I used a business card and a clamp and a light mixture of Lifecolor gloss black carefully repainted the glossy black over the blotches and around the decal, that included the area close to the yellow tip on the tail. (not shown)

All the decals along both sides and lower section is completed. Now next to go over the top.

More to follow.

Yes Erik it does take you breath away when your pilot tells you to look up as the maneuver he pulled I didn't feel it as I was so caught up with the A-4 approaching our 6 on the threat screen. I look up and realize I am looking down at the sea. Good stuff really.

With the nose gear installed, next to attach the nose bay doors. The main doors edged in red with a sharpie and MM Insignia Red enamel.

The auxiliary nose gear doors edged in red as well. And then attached in place.

Next the main nose gear doors are attached.

While the nose gear bay doors are setting. I took this time to load up 2 AIM-54A Phoenix missiles on the 2 forward pallet racks.

Now to work on the main gear struts. First assembling the bits that make up one of the main gear strut.

Next a pair of retracting arms are ready to install. The oleo's of each strut is painted with a Molotow chrome pen

The LH side main strut and retracting actuator arm is installed. And let set for an hour.

The oleo scissors are prepared and installed on each strut.

Next to attach the main wheels on each strut.

Now to install the lower rear dive brakes.

The inside of the dive brake doors are painted Model Master Insignia Red enamel. The door actuators are Red and chrome pen.

1st each actuator is placed in the dive brake well. And then the door is attached.

Each door carefully placed and aligned.

And once they are set overnight. Will start work on the main gear bay doors and wing glove missile pylons.

More to follow.