Well, I was building this kit when the CSM kit was announced, and well, after battling for a bit, just put it back in the box. But I never got a CSM kit, so this ended up back on the bench... for better or worse...
I did some cutting, adding and just tyding up of the interior... and started chopping away for that tunnel in the lower fuselage for the engine exhaust and cooling...
I tried to use as much of the kit as I could... Like that frame with the sole instrument in it... And the upper wing has always bothered me due to the big gap between the ailerons and the wing... so I separated them, removed the fake hinges and skinned the ailerons on the front and the inner edge with plasticard so they fitted better to the wing.... bang goes a modelling afternoon! I also trimmed and neatened up the cowling, this may need a little work still to reduce the diameter. I have gone through Lance's fantastic build, it is great inspiration!
Remember, the build hasn't actually started unless you throw some paint on! I also tried to redo the rudder, I know the kit one has an inaccurate outline...
The real sadness is that I will use the original (incorrect) rudder as a friend gave me the decals in a recent Academy release for Fullard's plane... complete with rudder markings with the incorrect original shape.... Oh well, compromise, compromise!
Hope to do more soon, but please don't hold your breath!
Regards,
Marc