That looks just great, Dan. On 48th scale interplane struts, I use 1/16th inch aluminum tubing and crimp it a bit between two flat surfaces in a vice (I use two metal rulers) squishing it to a semi airfoil shape. But for these little guys, I also just use brass tubing especially on cabanes and landing gear that need to be tough. They look great (like yours) once they are all painted etc.
Lozenge...I never put down a gloss coat for those since I'm not worried about carrier film looking bad. No outline to worry about. See what other folks say, but I wouldn't bother...
Great progress, by the way!
Dan (very behind on his AEG)