Hi, Carl (@clipper): I always have trouble getting pens to work on models. I guess it is something about the hard plastic and paint, but they never flow very well or for very long. At this point in my life, using a fine brush would be out of the question. In any case, it looks great.

I've finally finished the Mohawk. Many things outside of modeling going on in my life at the moment, and to be honest, I just didn't feel like doing some of these remaining tedious detail bits. But I worked through them a few at a time and I am calling it done.

I agree. Outstanding, Carl @clipper. I’ve built the Academy(Wolfpack/HobbyCraft) Hawk and accepted the deficiencies, but... Your build clearly shows what kit is the way with to go these days.

Thanks Spiros (@fiveten), Eric (@eb801), and John (@johnb)

I agree Eric, this kit is far superior to the Academy kit. Hopefully ClearProp will come out with the versions that have the retractable gear so that the conversion I did on this one won't be necessary. Or perhaps Eduard will eventually release some as part of their P-40 range over the next couple of years. To be clear, the ring and bead site at the front (as well as the wing guns) are from the Master P-40 detail set. The ring is superior to the ClearProp PE and there is no bead in the ClearProp PE.

John, I used PVA glue for the insulator balls. I am still experimenting with various approaches. I've used stretched micro tubes on other models which I think look superior, but they are a bit more trouble. I was getting lazy on this build and went with the PVA glue.

I'll be doing an article for the headlines as soon as I can find some spare time.

Thanks Michael (@michaelt). I just posted a headline article a couple of hours ago.