Thanks for your very kind comments Stephen, they are very greatly appreciated. I've finally managed a couple of productive sessions working on this one and here's the results via a small update.
I've installed the engine and the guns along with a bit more "plumbing" and the wind screen. The guns are the Kit supplied ones with the Kit PE cooling jackets added and the barrels drilled out.
The lower rigging attachment points have been made from 36 Guage Nichrome wire and drilled/CA'ed into the upper wing positions, I also got the radiator installed in the wing:
Nichrome eyelets were then added to Gas Patch turnbuckles and then drilled and CA'ed into the lower wing positions after which the rigging lines were attached using "Bob's Buckles". I used a combination of 1:32 and 1:48 scale turnbuckles.
Next came the Photo Etch panel supplied for between the guns:
Last, the torn decal repair was done. A kind offer of help by way of surplus markings from our very own "Dave from Dubai" was gratefully accepted and, in a great feat of defeating the trials and tribulations of the international postage conspiracy, he carried them from Dubai to the USA on one of his scheduled trips, mailed them from Seattle WA. and I had them in only a few days, many Thanks kind Sir!
I may still replace the "shield" decal with the spare I received from Dave, the machro photos make it look far worse then it is however a new one would certainly look cleaner.
I guess at this point I can't avoid mounting the upper wing and getting a start on the rigging. Wish me luck and hopefully a lack of "Banana Strut Disease"!
Cheers,
Lance