Dear all,
I'm always a bit nervy of doing build logs, but I feel a bit guilty not sharing my current project. If okay with everyone, I have decided to do what I will call a 'progress report'. This means I will only update once I have completed major stages rather than a full bit by bit update.
I am currently working on the following and I am just over two weeks in.

I am also using Eduard's photo etch detail set for this particular kit and I am also seeing if I can push my bounderies a bit by added other little corrections and minor details. Another reason I decided on my progress report so that I can share what I am trying out and doing. I could not make my mind up on the marking and colour scheme - my wife Jacquie helped me decided so will go for Joseph Jacob's on black mount. I am glad I have as I read his profile on Wikipedia last night - a very interesting individual who would not join the Nazi party when Hitler came to power.

I am aware he used allied engines in his machine, so my build will represent his aircraft prior to change! Therefore, this will be my interpretation of his aircraft.
So, this is where I am currently at - cockpit and fuselage completed:



The black paint is my testing to ensure I have eradicated the joint. Some shimming was required on the top section as the fit was not perfect here.
I addressed the underside by adding a narrow strip of plastic sheet along the centre to represent the stitching and added so rough scoring to give an impression of stiches when finally painted. I also added some panels (plastic sheet cut to shape) to front underside to add a bit more interest:

Horizontal stabiliser in the kit features a strange gap running down the centre. I addressed this using thin plastic card cut to size of gap glued in place. Once glue had set I sanded this down then added some model filler to remove any visible lines. This has now been sanded down before drilling out the gaps for the elevator cables. This was all done prior to installing elevator:

I am now starting work on improving the kit supplied cowling which is molded complete and seamless. After a bit of thought I used a £1 coin (it matched the size of the semi circle I need) to draw line in pencil. Once I had this line I cut a tin strip of plastic sheet and have glued on following this drawn line. Once this has all fully set, the next part will be to file down and then use filler on the outside edge. I'm not how this will work in progress - time will tell!

That's all for now folks - more will follow in due course.
Regards
Dave