The cockpit looks superb, my friend @clipper! No problem with the pics.

Thanks, I really appreciate the kind comments John (@johnb), Spiros (@fiveten), and George (@gblair).

George, actually, I came to this same conclusion regarding building for myself several years ago and it has improved the fun factor. In fact, I would give this decision the credit for kicking my hobby into higher gear and setting me on the road to improving my modeling. What I was concerned about in my comment, and perhaps I didn't make that very clear was that I know that there are modelers who are not as far along who might misunderstand my desire to get better as something other than an honest desire to get better. You are correct in that I shouldn't worry about what others think of my work, and for the most part I have made this transition. But I truly do want to promote this hobby and that includes not alienating builders who have not had the benefit of years of experience yet.

Anyway, I am rambling, but for the record, I consider it a priority to introduce this hobby to others and to share what I can to help others experience the same pleasant experiences I have gotten from building.

As for building this Fury, I assembled the fuselage yesterday, taking pains to keep all the seams aligned as well as possible to minimize the need for fillers. I am setting the Fury aside temporarily while I shift gears back to the P-38 / F-4 Lightning build as I have the paint I need now.

Absolutely true, Carl @clipper
Having fun while building is what counts.

Excellent progress, my friend @clipper! The intake looks awesome already!

It's been almost two weeks since I've posted anything, but I have a reason. I let my guard down from my normal habit of always paying attention what is going on around me and managed to miss a step while stepping down from a rather tall ladder. Everything went slow motion as I waited to hit the ground, buttocks first and felt my spine compressing. This happened over a week ago and it has made it very painful to sit for any extended period of time. It's gotten better and it looks like I avoided any broken bones or vertebrae problems, but it has been a very long week waiting to get to the point where I can build models again.

Since I anticipate it being some time before I am fully well, and because my model bench is too low anyway, and because I am finding that standing gives me the most relief, I've elected to make an addition to my workbench which allows me to stand and build models. Yes, I could have gotten a stand up desk, but those are expensive. This adapter seems to work so far, although there are a few things I will have to tweak (lighting, top access to the lacquer thinner brush cleaner can).

Because this riser stands on my desk in front of my tool chest, I needed some way to hold commonly (used a lot) items and tools. So it has some holes in the top for various chemical bottles and a small slanting tray underneath to hold tools I use the most from the tool chest. The only thing I need to get is a rubber floor mat to stand on.

As for the Fury, well it's been waiting for me to get back to it, so nothing has been changed since last time. But at least now, I can get back to building.

Take care and get well soon, Carl @clipper
Your modified bench does look really nice and practical this way.

Great progress, Carl @clipper