Gentleman, than you for your help and advice regarding the MG's. However, I have decided to use the kit supplied ones anyway.
OK, update on where I am currently. Had a go at using fuse wire to simulate underside stitching. Unfortunately, one of those ideas that seem great in theory but did not work out in practice! Not brilliant, but have no intention of pulling out and starting again so will live with it.
filled pin holes in all the struts
Underside now painted and glossed ready for applying decals. As a brush painter, it is not easy to simulate rib shading other than to use combination of light and dark shades of the light blue used for the undersides. The effect looks pretty good when seen in the flesh but has not come out well in the photo.
Lastly, started work on the undercarriage and MG's. attached legs to fairing and tidied up around the joint. Used stretched sprue to knock up ring sights for guns - this will pretty much be my limited of detailing to the MG's. They don't look brilliant but I think they still improve on the look of the kit supplied MG's - I hope!
More soon
Regards
Dave