I did my typical prepainting of the interior green components with in the air frame of the Invader as I will forego showing for now. Also with some flat black in the airbrush while working on another project went ahead and went over the engines and props.

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Next to start working on the kit, starting with the pilot seat.

The instruction sequence used by ICM is similar to an Airfix build in style. This is my first ICM kit ever to build so I am going in with both feet and looking forward to any challenges along the way. Using Tolga's recent build of the "B" as a guide. The grey plastic is soft and so far reacts well with the Tamiya and Squadron adhesives that I will use to build her. The seat is of 3 pieces, pedestal, seat bottom and back.

Start with attaching the seat pan to the pedestal. Then the seat back to the seat assy. Off to a good start. Will add the seatbelts later.

Step 2 is to build the nicely detailed center console. Made up of 3 parts. The Monogram console is molded as one piece on the flight deck. ICM has it as a separate part.

Before assembly, a portion is removed on the RH outer edge for a PE replacement part.

Then the 3 parts are assembled to build the center console.

Step 3 is to attach the console and seat to the flight deck floor.

Both completed sub assemblies are cemented to the floor. And then once set airbrushed Mission Models Interior Green.

Next to prepare the center console for the PE enhancements, by removing the details on the top panel.

This will really enhance the console. The main panel is placed in the center.

The rear part of the console has some more details added.

I know not everyone is a fan of PE. There are resin replacements as well. Which are great to use on some instances. My dilemma is I do not have the steady hand as I once had. Eyesight is still 20/20 not an issue as I can still work with 1/72nd scale. So using PE is my way to really get the most out of the cockpit these days. The PE for this kit is just right for me. And it fits so far. The console looks pretty good now with what I have attached so far.

More to follow as I complete the console and add the seatbelts. Then start working on the other interior compartments. There is a bit more to do.

Spiros, PE can be a love hate relationship at times. That is why I do it in sections as it is tedious. But worth while in the end. The zoom set for the ICM kit has quite a few parts involved. So much that the seatbelts are not included and need to get those separate. Will be getting a set for the Monogram kit which I will start on soon.

Thanks Erick, yes there is a lot going on and much more to go. So keep those belts tight and please keep your hands on the bar in front of you!

The PE IP looks very busy!

Very nice cockpit, Chuck @uscusn!
The ICM kit looks great indeed (though I have a soft spot for the Monogram one...)

With the basic cockpit completed, now to work back to the forward bulkhead.

The backside of this bulkhead is also the forward wall of the weapons bay.

Some PE details will be attached to the wall as well.

A meter and a extra control box is added to the bulkhead.

Next to assemble the radio rack/stack.

The radio sets and shelving.

Attaching the radio set stack, the angle seems wrong, and this where the instructions are a bit vague. Referred to others who built this kit for the correct fit for the assembly.

With the Pe bits in place, I attach the radio set on the bulkhead. It should be straight up and down not at any angle. Will work on that when I get installed into the LH fuselage half.

Next is to work on the fuselage halves and bomb bay.

More to follow.

Looking really good Chuck. Based on Tolga’s suggestion and your comments, I plan on purchasing a metal landing gear set from Scale Aircraft Conversions. I used the set they make for the Revell Invader and all worked perfectly - absolutely no sag.

Do you know why ICM blocked out the grim reaper skeleton nose art on the box art or is that the way this plane really looked?

Looking great Chuck!