So let's get started and figure out what happened, let's start with the engines. Most kits or let say other manufacturers that supply engines are normally an option and can just build them for display or exposed. In this case the engines need to be built and you know in hindsight I could've probably been able to just somehow modify the engine faces and nozzles to fit without them. As I did find that the fit through out the build so far was quite tight. So why would this part of the process be any different. The engines went together ok. Since the engine bays doors would be closed I still went ahead and airbrushed MM non buffing Steel. Then again removing the injection stubs from with each engine half before assembly. Leaving the exhaust off, these I will install after the paint scheme is applied. Next is to install each engine into the rear section of the fuselage, the fit here was not precise, and test fitting the engine bay doors was not very good here, leaving a good sized gap in between the engines underneath. Major seam clean up will be the name of the game here. The honeymoon is over on this one. But next up is some sub assy work and then see how well I can fix this section before moving on to the next step on the airframe. More to follow.

13 attached images. Click to enlarge.

Thanks Louis, thanks for the encouragement. I have run into a snag in this project, but I figured out what I will do. I can deal with some of the parts not fitting well or the extra work in getting the airframe prepped. The vague instructions, missing steps and pages. It still shaping up to what it should be. Will keep at it.

Looks like quite a cool machine, Chuck. I see what you mean regarding complicated models. I have one of those challenging builds going on right now that caused me to quit the assembly process. I have one of the awesome new Rye Field M1A1 models and it has 8 pieces PER each track block! Heck, the REAL tank's track blocks only have 13 pieces & that includes the bolts & nuts! I got about 6" of track done before I quit for a break. That was 8 months ago. Now, I'm more interested in getting my Crusader ready for the KassPass Group Build, so the M1A1 is on the back burner for a while more!

Any-who, your Jag is looking great but I don't envy you all the sanding & putty work to go.

A new snag appeared when it came to the next step in the build. Missing a whole page with 3 steps involved in the instruction booklet. Page 16 is missing. This involves the vertical tail, avionics hump and lower strakes among the bits to install. So basically ad libbed going with experience. First installing the avionics hump on top of the fuselage located right behind the cockpit. Next something rather unusual too me, the vertical tail. You get 2 options which one is for the Jaguar International or the French version and of course the RAF Gr.1 tail. But the GR.1 tail is just like the upper portion (pic3). The main tail as provided is short, but how do you install the rest of it? So after going over all the sprues to see if I missed it some how. No joy. So not to worry about it for now I proceeded with the build by installing the lower rear ventral strakes. Aligned them and let them set. Now will come back to figure out the tail sitch later. More to follow.

8 attached images. Click to enlarge.

It's coming along nicely, Chuck, hope you got my message re the tail.

You are definitely making some great progress buddy. With or without instructions it's turning out very good. Thanks for the updates.

As the Jaguar performed several attack mission profiles during Desert Storm (Granby), I will configure this for a typical bomb tasking. ALQ-101 Jamming Pod mounted on the port outer pylon, Phimat Chaff dispenser pod under the starboard outer pylon, 2 1000lb bombs on the inner pylons, and a center mounted drop tank. For self defense 2 overwing AIM-9L Sidwinders. Kittyhawk supplies a variety of ordnance well detailed. Though it does not supply an ALQ-101, I will rob one from one of my A-10 kits to use. 1st I will start with the bombs. Nice detail and for a change normal parts to complete both units. These will be painted OD later on in the build. Next up the sidewinders, very petite crisp winglets and single piece missile body makes up the parts for 2 Aim-9's. The instructions call for white, which is true before Desert Storm, but were already in Lt Glossy Grey when the war started. The Phimat Pod is one piece and the ALQ-101 pod is provided from Monogram is in 2 pieces. These will be in Desert Pink. Next up, fix that tail. More to follow.

11 attached images. Click to enlarge.