During the B17 group build in the Bomber Command group, I was happy to help Bernard @lis by sending him some of the decals I didn't use on my B17. In return, Bernard gifted me a wonderful kit of the FM-2 Wildcat from ArmaHobby. This generous gift ment a lot to me and I'm very thankful for that. Because of a full schedule, I was not able yet to start with it, ofcourse it remained on the top of the to do list, such an amazing gift should not remain boxed. For me it will be my first experience with ArmaHobby and the 1/72 scale on fighter aircraft has been a long time ago that I built them.

Opening the box revealed a nice set of sprues with some great details.

Ofcourse an instructions booklet which is 'color' printed.

Two schemes to choose from provided by the kit. I have not decided yet if I will do one of these schemes or will search for some other.

A beautiful instrumentation panel and helpful masks are provided as well.

For sure I'm going to enjoy this kit packed full with extras. Thanks again to Bernard @lis to give me those extra hours of joy.

Our friend's @lis gifts are so wonderful, my friend @johnb! This looks a very nice and comprehensive kit, for sure you will produce a most charming result! Looking forward to it!

@fiveten, thank you, Spiros. I'm for sure going to enjoy this build.

This is a gift to remember. Arma kits are full of detail and given the scale they can compete with 1/48 kits. I've been following Bernard's blogs and watching him do some great work, giving a FM-2 is very generous. Charming is a good word. Looking forward to seeing this kit built John.

Made a start on the interior, same parts already glued together and painted interior green with a little wash.

@fiveten, thanks a lot, Spiros

@j-healy, thank you, John. It has been a long time since I worked on single engine aircraft in this scale. If it turns out nicely I might do some more, mainly due to space shortage for the finished models.

More work on the interior done, all panels are attached, seat and stick are mounted.
Used the decal seatbelts, although 2D, they do look acceptable.
Unfortuantelly my cellphone has no macro option, so the pictures are not that great.