Thanks guys - would feel right without a little bit of sanding.

Next step was to get the Anti-Glare panel painted. I found the Sword instructions on-line and scaled the anti-glare to fit and sprayed olive Drab.

Not a perfect result but I'll take it.

First decal to go on was the Strip & Stare'. I figured if this didn't work out then I would need to find another set of decals.

All went well with the first application - the nose section seemed very 'baggy' but the MicroSol soaked in the decal was pressed down with a Q-Tip and all went well.

The opposite side had a decal break/separation just below the cockpit but in the end it got aligned quite well.

Totally forgot to use the Micro Liquid Decal Film and that's when the Inboard Flap warning areas fell apart - I went to the spare and it fell apart too.

Ughh - I have some red extra red striping and will do it manually making sure to apply the Decal Film from now on.

7 attached images. Click to enlarge.

Thanks Spiros - your Ki-45 is looking awesome! And do the T-33, it would be great to see that aircraft model finished by you. You also have some time as I think this group is open for another 2 years or so.

Spraying the acrylics are so easy and way better than brushing - always spay acrylic and brush on enamels - especially considering the cleanup process. I was a bit off with the anti-glare panel though but got a decent result.

Everything remaining got a coating of Decal Film - I had it ready at the beginning but just didn't use it for some reason. Looking at the pricing tag, the decals are dated December 1980!

But they really formed well around the nose section. Found that Modeling Master 'Ford Engine Red" was almost a prefect match and touched up some small spots.

Major decals are on now, Decal kit 72-270 notes that the decals are made for this Airfix kit but the insignia looks big when compared to the Sword photos so specific position may be off a bit but all is looking good so far.

Used some black decal strips to achieve a straight line at the nose, and painted the rest.

I noticed from the photos that the NMF was fading off due to all the handling - another issue with spraying the acrylics which are much softer than the enamels, some touch up required.

Not too much more to go with this build.

4 attached images. Click to enlarge.

Very nice progres, George! This little model has become a litle gem!

I liked very much your black stripe bordering approach; in fact, I am a frequent user of this technique, whenever applicable, and I like the results a lot: nice black borders are produced, like your F-80's black nose borders!

I always apply a protective coating of Future on my (enamel) camos, even in NMFs. I have found that it does protect them finger touching wise..., especially the matts and the sensitive NMFs. I cannot comment on possible protection on acryl NMFs, just passed an experience (downside is that Future MAY tend to yellow over time, but it's not so noticeable on NMF, in fact that hint of yellow-ish hue may add up to the looks!).

Thanks for the compliments for my Toryu!

Waiting for your nice F-80 to come along!

Looks good George, nicely done.

You really have made a silk purse out of a sow's ear, George! A triumph of skill and talent over plastic.

George I have great respect for anyone building 1/72 scale models. I have eagerly followed your build, having completed the 1/48 Hobbyboss / Monogram F-80 C hybrid at the start of the group build. I fully concur with Tom and the other Modelers. You took a rough diamond and made it shine in all the right places! Well done!

This is a great opportunity for us modelers to put the Forgotten War in perspective. Just the other day I visited a school as part of my work to assess Teachers. Inside the school auditorium there was a memorial plaque devoted to all the students from the school that sacrificed their lives on the altar of freedom during WW I, WW II and a lone name stood out under the Korean War. I have decided to honour the memory of that pilot, Lt. Norman 'Flash' Biden who volunteered to fight in Korea as part of South Africa's 2 Squadron "Flying Cheetahs". He was shot down and killed over the "Punchbowl" on 5 Sept 1951. The irony being that it was exactly 10 years earlier that his brother Ed Biden lost his life as a fighter pilot during WW II. I have decided to build his F-51 Mustang as my next entry for the group build. I will present the model as a display to Biden's alma mater. As a historian this group build has renewed my interest in the Korean War.

The SAAF "Flying Cheetahs" were mostly veterans from WW II and an all volunteer group. South Africa's Prime Minister JC Smuts was one of the driving forces behind the establishment of the UN. By 1948 he was replaced as Prime Minister by DF Malan who did not hesitate to answer the UN call to arms in 1950. Two Squadron SAAF formed part of the USAF 18th FBW and 2 Squadron played a vital role in the air war over Korea. USAF pilot Chappie James was a great friend of 2 Squadron. He used to call them the finest fighter pilots outside the USAF that he had the honour to fly with. He was a regular visitor to 2 Squadron's pub called Rorke's Inn. He referred to the South African pilots as HIS South Af's. One of the SAAF pilots scored a possible Mig kill in a F-86 Sabre. The SAAF pilots loved the Mustang! After the Korean War the SAAF procured Canadair Sabres for 1 and 2 Squadrons. I have attached a photo of Chappie James and the Mustang flown by Norman Biden.

2 attached images. Click to enlarge.