Calling it complete, with the decals on.

The Techmod decals had some problems - I ended up using the Tamiya decals for the national insignia on the upper wing and fuselage sides, due to sizing problems with the Techmod decals (they were too large for those positions). I also had to do some trimming to get a proper fit for the decals used for the fuselage stripes. That said, otherwise they acted right, went down under Solvaset without problems.

Overall, I am happy with this result. It looks like the original. I am definitely a fan of the Vallejo "Dull Aluminum," which I will use on other projects - it's perfect weathering for NMF that you can't get otherwise. Another good reason to keep using these great metallics (did I mention they will never eat your model or run you out of the room from the stench, unlike @#$#@! Alclad?) .

3 attached images. Click to enlarge.

Really nice, Tom.
This scheme is indeed great.
You achieved a wonderful build in a short time.

That looks great Tom. Your scheme looks extremely realistic.

I gather you don’t like Alclad II. Yeah, they stink and sometimes react to skin oils when dry but overall, that’s my go to paint for NMF’s. However you got me trying some Vallejo finishes lately and I’m starting to see why you’re big on them. I will use Vallejo only when I tackle that Dora Wings P-43 after the holidays and see how that goes.

Really nice model, Tom (@tcinla). I also like the Vallejo metallics. For some reason they keep wanting to jump out of the paint cup on my airbrush, but I think this is due to me rather than the paint. Maybe it is too smooth to stay in the cup. Once it actually gets sucked into the airbrush it works fine for me. :o)

That's why you are the master and I am the apprentice, Obi Wan. :o)