Before cutting the canopy, repeat after me; "I'm one with the force, the force is one with me, I'm one with the force, the force is one with me, I'm one with the force, the force is one with me, etc"

Having done that for a day or two, the operation will be super smooth my friend - may the 4th be with you -oh c**p, its september. . .

Wishing you all the best for this next step, Spiros.
For sure you will get it done.
The interior looks great.

Vac canopies are evil, Spiros (@fiveten), especially if you have just one. Be sure your Karma is in sync with the universe! I am sure your skills will overcome the beast!

Subtle weathering...

...and a tad of gun gases effect on the surrounding area...

and a bit more undersides...

...and off to the paintshop for the final coat!

Canopy time!

I first cut the canopy well away from its borders and then sanded it down (inasmuch as a vac kit part) until I reached its frame borders:

A trial and error process then took place, until I was satisfied with the result.
I then applied some white glue and let the canopy rest in its position:

After the glue cures, I will use more white glue to fair the canopy at the fuselage join area.
Looks acceptable so far...

Vacanopies (not all of them, as some are cloudy, some yellow quickly etc..) can turn out very clear at times, my friend @airbum!

Add to this (among others) the facts that:

1. Not all injected canopies were well made.

2. They were usually thick, posing an obvious "out-of-scale" toyish look when modeled opened...

...and we may understand the mythical praise they had (and at times still have) 10-20 years ago, when they were fashionable at their peaks.

Their above drawbacks, though, combined with the fact that they were not easy to detach from their sheet and trim-to-fit, made many (most? all?) modelers wishing injected thin and clear transparencies...

Most of the times, modern kits deliver!

Ok, just my usual blahblahblah to accompany your coffee, my friend!

Thanks for liking!

Looking at the results, you can for sure treat yourself with a great cup of coffee to relax and enjoy the beauty of this build, Spiros. @fiveten
Canopy fit is great.

Canopies are my downfall too, and I too cringe at the thought of using a vac canopy, even though I have in the past. At times I would rather stick my finger in an electrical outlet than to deal with them... No I don't really do that... just kidding. That could be lethal.

It has been a few days since I have checked in here, and this little jewel is done ! It looks fantastic and I like your color choices. It is definitely a plane that you never see built up, and you have hit a home run with it.