I started this Saturday, a Hasegawa SBD-4, trying to not rush it. Very soon I will face my first PE parts ever, the ammo belts which will have to go in when the cockpit gets all together. The instructions call for some colors I don't have, like 'burnt iron' so I am mixing my versions, also referring to some net pics I found of a museum specimen, added the little green & white bottle and hose to the pilots right based on that. And some knob colors and things.

Just putting it out there since it seems i have reached a good progress marker, I took the photos just now to document progress since soon I will probably never see these parts again!

3 attached images. Click to enlarge.

Ralph, before you try painting photo etch parts, soak them in vinegar and/or gently scuff them with sandpaper. This gets rid any residual chemicals and provides some "tooth" so the paint will stay on better.

Also any part that must be bent should be heated to "red hot" then allowed to cool naturally to remove the temper from the metal which makes them easier to bend and hold new shapes.

Be careful when heating parts with an open flame since it is possible to burn up/ melt small parts.

And as always be careful not to burn yourself or others, breath the fumes, set the workshop on fire, closed course, professional driver, you mileage may vary etc...

Another little tip: when cutting the PE loose back it with tape or you could get plenty of mileage with it.

Thanks Seamus, I'll keep that in mind if I botch the PE belts. I'll give the PE a try as I figure they are a good practice before the rather intimidating and intricate dive brake PE parts.

Update on PE - well I started the dive brakes last night...there are 3 assemblies, left, center and right. My thinking was center is least visible and simplest, so I started with that, knowing not to expect a real beautiful result. I was right about the result, but the intimidation factor is greatly reduced as I contemplate the left and right assemblies - painting that center assembly will help cover flaws too I hope...after I get all 3 assemblies done I may post a photo of them if I can do the other two well enough that I am not embarrassed!

Its called Locktite Gel Control, a 'superglue', CA type. It doesn't set too quick, and gives me a minute or two to fiddle with the parts and adjust their placement, these parts are so tiny, fiddling with them is required. I drop a drop of that glue on my board, then take a toothpick and get about 1/4 drop, or less, on it and apply.

Ok - go easy on a PE first timer here - hopefully the paint will cover these kind of beat looking dive flaps and improve the looks - glad to be done. I don't know if I got any better but it's practice for the even more intimidating Helldiver which has lots more PE...
Each of these left/right lower flap assemblies has 12 parts, lt/rt uppers has 11 and the center lower flap (at bottom in image) has 15...

I had to have some ice cream after this...

1 attached image. Click to enlarge.

Your doing good work here Ralph. I might have to try the ice cream reward when something goes well.