Hi everyone, after a 3 month hiatus when I packed up and moved, now settled for the most part. Though still some organizing and unpacking still left though not much.

Spiros, thanks, this is a kit that you just approach carefully, be patient as the fit is not bad. The challenges is part of the fun.

Thanks Gary good to see ya, slowly getting there, and even longer after 3 months not building.

Hi John, yep but nothing that can be fixed with sanding, scrapping and filling. But not a deal breaker.

Louis, always a pleasure to read your comments, and input. Always encouraging, on a tough build like this one. First time working on a Modelsvit kit, I like the challenge. Unique subject. And you know I learn a bit more of the variant as I do some research on the F-82. Which is part of the fun. So far I like the kit, despite the issues which are minor and expected reading up on several reviews already on the web. And all right on point.

Hi, Paul always a pleasure, how is things down under? You know not as complicated as the Lightning with the twin booms with a similar layout. But complete fuselages, the fit around the radiators and wing fillets to the fuselage were a bit of a challenge but it's like building 2 Mustangs, Then attach it to a common wing. But it is much larger than a standard Mustang.

Now to assemble the Pod. Modelsvit gives you the parts to allow you to display the radar set cover removed. But it really needs a bit more details to really enhance what is provided. I will leave the Pod intact..

Quite a simple process in assembling the Pod halves.

Just clean up a typical seam. Easy to do on this part. Everything is big on this plane.

Next is to attach the Pod to its base on the lower center section of the wing.

The fit is good here. No attachment point seams to worry in this case.

Next is to work around the fuselage seams and issues, then start attaching the canopies. More to follow

The pod is looking very nice, Chuck @uscusn
Looks very smooth.

Nice work Chuck ! @uscusn
Keep it going buddy.

Hi Chuck @uscusn, this is really coming on now, can’t wait to see it the paint shop.

Very nice work done on the ailerons and flaps, Chuck @uscusn
I agree that having them seperate instead of one mold looks much better.

Now to assemble the elevator and attach to the center horizontal stabilator.

I will have this configured in the down position.

A view from below

Now to work on the installation of the canopies, The RH side will be displayed closed, while the LH or pilots side will be open. Reading prior build reviews, installing these are a bit tricky and not perfect. So following the advice of the prior builds I was somewhat prepared for the required trimming to make them fit better.

Both types either closed or opened have issues in proper fitting. Just trim to fit so it eliminates a gap at the rear contact point.

The windscreen did fit ok with a bit of work.

The open canopy will have the rear deck panel installed, this is a bit fiddly here being careful when applying the cement without making a mess. Let say thank God there are 2 open canopies provided.

Once installed time to mask them off. Using the kit provided masking set. These are similar in design of Cutting Edges style of material. Not Kubuki tape. Not hard to work with, just be careful when applying them to each panel at the edges. They are a bit clear off the backing. A slight greenish tint. The canopies will have the framing edge masked off then using Tamiya tape to fill in exposed clear section in the middle of glass.

Then Interior Zinc Chromate Green is applied over the framing.

next up is to attach some details before the overall black scheme is painted.

More to follow

Looks great, Chuck (@uscusn). It is good to see you back. We moved to a new house last Christmas, and I am just now starting to feel like I know where my tools and supplies are located. A lot of my unbuilt models are still in boxes in a storage room, but at least I have started building again. Looking forward to seeing this one complete.