Chris/Mark - thank you both kindly!
Alright, next update:
The top wing has now been installed and for all intents and purposes is pretty much complete. Top wing installation is actually straightforward and the fit very good. in fact, once on, the 'lock up' is surprisingly strong. However, I did run into a minor hiccup whilst getting this on. When installed, the cabane strut on one side was buckled. After looking at all very carefully, I quickly discovered that I had mounted this strut slightly off centre so did not line up parallel with the other side when view from above. Fortunately, the fix was dead easy - I simply cut the offending strut at the base (where it meets with the landing gear strut) and re-aligned (so that it sat slightly lower) resulting in a very good fit. Hey presto - all was good!
To make sure the top lined up straight I used the WNW method of using the model box as a simple alignment jig until it had set. All perfectly straight now. So, in summary, this glitch was a result of an error on my part and NOT the kit. The moral of the story here is to ensure these cabane struts align perfectly before installing top wing.
My only other problem was attaching the wires that operate the ailerons. I planned to use EZ line (pre installed on top wing) with intention of pulling into place and gluing in using CA. After many, many attempts, I gave up trying to get the line to stick here. In the end, I had to use stretched sprue (which works well) but is a bit thicker than I would have liked. Hey ho!
I then added my prop (which I completed whilst waiting for wing to set), footstep and rear fuselage handle things. Paint was then touched in where required and I tried to weather things up a bit by dry brushing Revell 'dark earth' where I thought it looked right.
There is one other thing I want to do and that it to have a go at knocking up a display base to set the model off a little bit more. This will be interesting as I have never done one of these for a model aircraft! Still, you have start somewhere I guess.
I'll therefore post up pictures into the 'Ready for inspection' section as soon as I have done this.
Finally some passing thoughts on the build - would I build another WNW Fok DVII? I probably would but not yet. It is a great kit overall but I do think the engineering could have been better regarding the engine cowling setup and fit. Also, it is critical (or so it seems) to get the cockpit and engine structure dead right to ensure good fit further along in the build. This was more work than it should have been in my opinion. The decals though are absolutely superb - very easy to work with and fit very, very well. I now have lots of spares from the kit and plenty of decals left over!
A few 'taster' shots below.
Regards
Dave
