Now time for a bit of bodywork. Clean up the seams around the nacelles, tail and nose.

At first how Monogram idea with the 1 piece horizontal stab into the base of the rudder was not the greatest idea in the world. But in the end it wasn't too difficult to fill that seam.

The resin nose seam will not be too difficult either.

The top center seam does take a bit of work as there a bit of a slight dip in the mould. Not really visible but you can feel it.

Using Vallejo white resin filler to fill gaps and seems, seems to work well, the narrow tip of the applicator places a bead of filler right on the seam. Especially on this kit with raised panel lines that will disappear with all that sanding.

The scheme on this bird will be the overall OD with white tips on the tail, and wings.

Next up install the engines, gunners telescope and front rear glass panels.
More to follow.

Yeah, what is expected on the Monogram kits, but then that's part of the nature of this hobby. Not a deal breaker for me, I still love to build a Monogram/Revell kit.

Will assemble the gunners powered sighting station that directs the powered turrets. First a couple more images of the engines installed on the nacelles.

Next I assembled the powered gunners sight scope. Interior Green, Nato Black, edged with a silver prisma color pencil and a wash.

Next I placed the sight assembly in place in the compartment, loose not cemented. The fit is good.

Next is too install the rear compartment glass panel. The glass sits in place and Tenax is run around the edges to seal it to the fuselage. Fit is not perfect, but it will work.

Moving on to the front. Next is to install the canopy glass panel. Again the clear parts are very good.

With the canopy attached. A bit more work around airframe. Not much more until time to paint.

Next is to mask off the glass panels, windows and lamps.

A pair of Invaders at about the same point of assembly.

Next up to start masking, install the cowls and wing pylons.

More to follow

Yes Spiros, both are about at the same point of assembly so far. Awaiting on a couple of upgrade bits for the ICM kit. Going old school on masking the canopy on the Monogram Invader.
This time will start masking the rear compartment windows.

This set of masks from Eduards has only the masks for the different style of canopy. So will only do the gunners compartment.

Like on the ICM Invader the mask perform very well in covering the windows while leaving the framing exposed to paint.

Though slightly quicker to apply than actually cutting and masking with any type of tape. Still need to take your time applying each mask over the glass panels.

The gunners observers window is the correct size and shape on the Monogram kit, the ICM window is not correct.

Overall satisfied on the outcome and performance of these masks on aircraft with a bunch of windows to cover. Like the Betty for example.

Next to cut and paste Tamiya tape and mask off the canopy,
More to follow.

Thanks Spiros, next is to just "cut n paste" the masks on the canopy.

Chuck, @uscusn

You have made a lot of progress since the last time I "officially" checked in. You are well on your way to wrapping these up. (I spied the Tamiya Beaufighter in the background).

I too like using the Molotow chrome pens. I also want to thank you for showing me about these pens and where to get them. Now I need to locate a bottle of the refill material. You can actually spray it on using your air brush, as Josh Patterson showed us a fine "how to" in one of his articles. This process will come in handy for my upcoming Korean War 1/48 Monogram B-29 build, since I don't want to paint the engine cowlings using silver and they are too hard to cover using foil.

I'll be standing by for your next installment. Keep them coming buddy ! This is really looking good.

Time to refresh an ongoing project. We are at the point now to install the engine cowlings. One detail on the kit cowlings are the sink holes on the inner cowl rings. Normally not a bad idea to fill them. But where they are located facing downward and once the props are installed. Won't be noticed. Will leave them be.

The cowls are attached to the resin cowl rings with cyano cement. The inner cowl rings are painted Olive Drab with the inner walls Interior Green.

Next is finish up on the pre shading of the overall air frame.

]pic8]

Lots of panel lines to highlight.

The scheme I have chosen will be an overall wrap around Olive Drab. This will be a typical hard working line bird, nothing in particular. Well worn and tons of maintenance work around the air frame. The base OD will be Mission Models Olive Drab 41. Starting at the bottom of the tail working to the front.

The wing , rudder and horizontal stab tips are white.

It does take a couple days to paint a large twin engine bomber one color. Lots of paint.

This is the base color, but will also airbrush another shade of OD to create a blotchy uneven appearance.

Will most likely use a third shade of OD to continue the affect.

Finally the clear coat is applied to prep for decals.

Next up decal time.

More to follow...

1 additional image. Click to enlarge.

Well done on that paintwork, Chuck @uscusn
The OD looks very nice with that shading.
Looking forward to the decals.