Unfortunately the idea to use the closed canopy did not work since the closed canopy included in the kit is a combined front and middle section. With the front section already mounted on mine, I could not use it or I should have sawn away that part from the closed canopy option. To keep it simple I covered the interior with masking tape and some piece of cloth. Paint the canopy pieces first with the interior color.

Also finished the propellor, four seperate blades which aligned nicely. White spinner with red ring.

@fiveten, thanks a lot, Spiros

Applying uniform layers will always reveal irregularities unfortunately, Stephen @stephen-w-towle
Even more visible when using a magnifying glass indeed.
Not sure about the carburetor shape, but like you said, it might have changed over time.

First round of primer, so far not that much imperfections are revealed .

@fiveten, thanks a lot, Spiros

The preshading looks amazing, my friend @johnb!

John vd Biggelaar (@johnb)
Stephen W Towle (@stephen-w-towle)
You guys are knocking these out of the park ! I really like what you are doing here.

I wanted to share these pictures with you. I took them back sometime around 2010 or 2011. This is the restoration of the Colling's Foundation A-36. Sadly, these are the only pictures I have stored on our computer that I took during the restoration of this ultra rare bird.

I have more pictures, but first I have to find them, then electronically scan them, (so I could post them here too).

I'm also fairly certain I have some good pictures of the scoops you are talking about, for both the upper carb intake and the radiator "Alligator" openings.

Later this A-36 restoration won the "Golden Wrench" Award at Oshkosh.

I'll be watching for your next installments. Looking great !

Amazing pics, my friend @lgardner!