I finally got "critical mass" in aftermarket stuff for the ICM B-26K Invader.

The Vector nose is really useful, because it's about 3/16 inch longer than the kit nose, which is really noticeable.

Most people won't notice that the wing intakes are a bit small, but since the Vector correction comes with the nose, I decided to use it. Cut out the area on panel lines and it is a drop-fit assembly.

The kit goes together nicely if you pay attention and take care in assembly.

Since I discovered yesterday that there is a shortage of fish weights at stores in Los Angeles (as in none in stock) I managed to find some on Amazon that will be delivered Friday. So final assembly and painting waits till the new year.

If you're doing any nose-sitter models and don't have a stock of weights, you'd best be checking around because the local source may not be available. Amazon has definitely become my friend the past three years.

2 attached images. Click to enlarge.

They retired these planes just a few years before I went to pilot training. Looking forward to your build, Tom (@tcinla), especially with the resin updates.

I’m looking forward to your build as well. I have mine in the box with extra goodies waiting to see yours for inspiration and know-how before I dive in Tom @tcinla.

Way to start the new year!

It looks like the Eduard really helps the cockpit, Tom (@tcinla). I managed to get 2 (out of 6) levers in place on the Sea Fury I am building. The rest have taken up residence in the carpet. I decided I wasn't going to lose any on this build, so I took an extra-firm grip on the tweezers holding the lever, which basically meant that when they predictably twanged away, they flew a long distance. There has to be an easier way to do this.

Cockpit looks great, my friend @tcinla!

Here it is with the fuselage assembled, and the wings on the spars. I will keep the wings unglued while I paint it, which will make the underwing painting on the fuselage and inner engine nacelles much easier.

You can see the nose is vastly superior to what's in the kit - I am also attaching a photo of the earlier ICM B-26B kit, which clearly shows the failure of the kit nose.

The engines, as you can see, are really nice, but once you slide the cowling on you won't see much, and once you attach the engine to the wing, attach the cowling and then glue the cooling flaps in position closed, you don't see a friggin' thing.

Spent this afternoon building underwing ordnance - "snake and nape", the truck killer's load.

4 attached images. Click to enlarge.

Really great progress, Tom @tcinla
Are you not able to open up a cowling, it would indeed be a pity to hide those engine details.

I had never noticed the problem with the nose, but it is noticeable, Tom (@tcinla). You are making great progress on this really detailed kit. I don't like cutting stuff open either, I always end up messing something up.