Thanks Spiros, will add a bit more shades after the decals are applied.
Thanks John, so far the different shades of OD, overspray and touchups will enhance the weathering.
Thanks Louis, a steady process on this long term project.

Great decaling, my friend @uscusn!

The re-visited nose looks a lot better!

I used Vallejo Flat Clear to seal the decals which leaves the desired finish. Good stuff. Decals over raised panel lines are tricky and easy if not careful to getting some silvering. This case the decals performed as I hoped. The dull coat also shows the blotchiness of the uneven OD finish over the top surfaces.

Next to apply the exhaust trails along each side of the nacelles and over the top of the wings. At first I thought i may have over did this. But looking at images from the period, these were quite heavy stains. It still took awhile to get comfy with the results.

Now to remove the masks over the clear pieces. Starting with the landing lamps.

Then the RH side compartment door window and start removing from the rear compartment windows.

Next was removing the masks from the canopy.

With all the masking's removed. Getting closer to finally finishing up on the final details. Long term project just about done.

Next landing gear installation.

more to follow...

NICE! The OD color variation and overall weathering look great, Chuck. @uscusn

Thanks Spiros, a labor of love.

Gary, it was hodgepodge of a different shade of OD here and another there, random and hoped for the best, and no I did not have my eyes closed.

Yes John definitely a moment I always look forward to when the masks are removed.

Now the final details first the main landing gear struts are assembled, strong and sturdy units supplied by Monogram, for a heavy model in the end and a long term shelf life.

Natural steel painted, Nato Black for the moulded on brake hoses, nice touch that Monogram provided this detail.

A test fit in the main wheel bay.

Then the gear doors are attached. Easy choice to leave these off till the assembly takes place. They go into the nacelles easily.

Once the doors are installed, next the main gear struts are attached.

Next to assemble the nose strut and install. The Nose gear doors have been installed from the start. And was careful not to knock them off during the assembly.

Speaking of knocking things off, with all the handling I managed to knock off the bombs and one of the bomb racks. So now the bomb rack was re-installed as well as the bombs before attaching bomb bay doors.

Now all the doors and landing gear struts have been attached.

And perfect weight added as the Invader sits properly on it's gear nose heavy. It doesn't tip back.

Now to attach the kit provided wheels. Which are nice and are weighted. No need for resin wheels other than maybe sharper in detail.

The wheels are then installed to the struts, now she is on her feet.

The nose gear is pretty sturdy as well.

Stance is proper and level.

Eight rockets are assembled, 4 on each side.

Painted Vallejo Aluminum body and MM OD on the war head.

Then install a set of 4 on each side in the outer positions. The un loaded racks will be attached and painted the airframe OD. MM OD41.

The unused rockets have the mounts removed and attached in place under the wings.

Next the tail lamp is installed at the extreme end of the fuselage.

The football dome is then painted Flat Black and installed in placed just aft of the gunners observation windows.

Now the completed props are installed.

Finally the last but not least. The gun barrels are installed. I was hoping to find a brass set but did not, Hoping later I will remove the resin set and replace them down the road.. Have a feeling with the ICM Counter Invader now out that Master Craft will make a set. Don't care much on the resin ones. Will live them for now.

And she is finished.

You know the Monogram A/B-26 Invader looks ok to me. yes it is a bit wider compared to the ICM Invader quite obvious, but i just don't see how it is a deal breaker. There is no perfect kit. Even Tamiya, Hasegawa and the new hi tech wonder kits are still not perfect. Besides ICM has it's problems, shape wise much better but not as accurate in a lot of details inside and out. Either way the Monogram kit was fun to build. Thanks for viewing. Have a fine Navy day!

A true gem, Chuck @uscusn
Great to see that she turned out to be a nose sitter.
Thanks for sharing your build progress.