Did I say I would have paint on tonight? I lied.
I spent a good 9 hours today finishing all the details that go on this thing. Everywhere I turn there is another piece to add, and I have to say..., it takes forever. I thought I had taken care of this in the planning phase, but going back and fourth between the instructions, the PE instructions on what had a replacement, and then finding the pieces on the huge sprues took up a lot of time. Then to check the references and find out if it even BELONGS on this model....<sigh> It's all good though.
Here is something I completely forgot about. After all this work, I get to cut a big hole in the bottom of the nose to put this piece in.
After some work with the dremel (after getting half of the hole cut out my battery died, thus setting me back even more), the hole was cut out and after a couple fits and trimming it went in with out too much fuss. A little filling and sanding with the file and all set.
Added all the lines and rivet detail that I destroyed while trying to get that massive seam line sorted out on the bottome.
Engines are in. Not without a big gap though.
All filled now. Vallejo putty is the best. Acrylic, thinable with h2o, and it dries super quick.
Radar added. Thankfully after a little careful cleaning of the part, it fit on quite nicely.
Antenne added
More holes to drill out. It's quick work with the dremel and round files.
At least now, I know there are no more surprises, and I know exactly what needs to be done. Barring any accidents, I'll have this finished with a day to spare.
Thanks for all the encouragment everybody. I really appreciate it!!