The cockpit looks very convincing, Eric. Sometimes the traditional skills of painting and assembly without PE for the IP and consoles is actually better. 3d switches and bezels and knobs in plastic have some advantages over relatively flat printed etch. I like what you have done here with the throttles - probably impossible to match with etch. That's also some fine paint brush work on the face curtain firing handles for the ejections seats.

I will soon be posting work I have been doing on my A-4B and Super Etendard in this Group. No etch for the Skyhawk but a full set for the SuE. I am relearning some techniques myself, particularly at this scale, so the A-4 will pass muster.

Greg, Colin and everyone else - thanks for your comments about the cockpit. I went back and added a little more detail like some red knobs since the last posting, inspired by looking at some reference photos.

Looks wonderful, my friend @eb801!
The Pucara is definitly in my to buy/to do list.
Looking forward to your progress!

I LOVE THIS KIT!
I am beyond impressed with how well Kinetic dialed in this kit. The fit is perhaps the best I've seen in recent years. Disclaimer no 1: I have yet to built Tamiya's acclaimed P-38F which sits on my stash shelf.

This Pucara goes together smooth as butter.
So far.
Take a look:

Yes indeed - one of the five best kits ever for design and buildability. This is looking really good.

You guys @eb801 and @tcinla have convinced me to get one...
OK, as soon as my friend/owner of one of the two major hobby shops in Athens brings them...
It will be really difficult to resist painting it as Tom's "field applied" one...

Great progress, Eric!

This is one of those models where, if you keep your wits about you, a super result is as close to guaranteed as it gets. You have obviously done that, @eb801.