Very nice work, Walt...a lot nicer than the detail I put into mine. I'd intended to display my model in flight, so I didn't "go overboard", as you put it, with detail that would be hidden when completed. So I had a pilot, a closed canopy and, of course, cowl pieces in place. Which brings up another possible "sticking point". Be sure to test-fit those cowl pieces carefully (and then test 'em again), before applying any sort of adhesive. They have to be aligned precisely or you'll have a real challenge on your hands. I'm not the only one who had trouble with 'em, trust me. Can't wait to see and hear how it all turns out. Later.

Hey David, thanks for the kind words, if you get the Victory Productions sheet, it has Fargo Express on it. A nice looking Mk VIII in the Sand and Middlestone. It is an American spit. It looks great, I wanted to build it but I was given the Mk IX kit so I am building Lady Ellen III from that sheet. Another American spit. If you are interested let me know, I may be willing to part with that portion of my sheet.

The base coats are basically done. I usually like to freehand my camo schemes, but the British were very particular. I have seen pictures from the factory where they would lay rubber mat masks over the wings and paint them. The schemes were very consistent so I knew I needed to be. I enlarged the color profile from the directions in the kit and used them as the mask. It worked fairly well, except for a few minor issues. I forgot to put the lid on my airbrush and spilled paint on the wing, then when pulling the masks off, the tape lifted a little paint off of the silver basecoat. A little corrective painting and masking for the roundels and it is just about ready for decals and weathering.

4 attached images. Click to enlarge.

Got to say that's beautiful work on the engine bay, matey,Even down to the grime in the spinner splines. liking it.

Very nice detail and I recently completed the MK IXC version. Only problem I had was with the Tamiya Roundel Decals not settling on the underwing and cracking and becoming useless. I bought a set of Barracuda decals and were much better but I would recommend painting the roundels or cutting off the raised detail carefully and then replacing over the decal and touch up with paint. Look forward to seeing the completed model.