Martinnfb

Thanks Harvey. Yes t does definitely need more material on the top and the bottom transition needs to be build up as well. This might take few days of sculpting. More of a drying time than actual work

Getting closer. Also, I run out of putty again LOL

If I can propose suggestion, considering that this is going to Nationals. The whole cover should have pressed-in reinforcement as on the picture bellow. I would just ripped it out and replace the top all together.

You must utterly hate me, by know

Here are few pictures explaining what you have to go trough in order to remove the anti-glare cover if you want to paint it. In matter of fact this one appears to be grey, but it is black. Just faded from heat, UV rays and tears of the pilots

interesting info here

Looking good Tony. That armour glass actually proves the point . Why would they painted the panel and didn't get a rid of extra weight while they had it apart?

Now we're talking, excellent choice Phil.

Opsie, I forgot to tape the glass

Marine's wet dream, I understand

Thank You guys. I started this week, so what you can see on the pictures is a result of probably 5 hours of cutting , filling etc. This morning I went to check on dolphin nose, well orbital sander was more than helpful The rest is all about carefully sculpting. The idea is to build it all up on the fuselage as a solid piece, then cut it out . The sides of the loading ramp had a wrong angle, so there will be little more sanding to do as well. Stay tuned for more updates coming tonight .

As always, I had to interrupt my knitting session and check out this work of art. Peter, your talent and skills are way on the limits of ordinary modeller. I am beginning to plot a alien conspiracy theory. You know shrink rays and such Thanks for sharing sir Cheers Martin

Great choice of subject, Welcome to the forum. Cheers Martin

No need to be sorry, your additions are absolutely acceptable and most welcome. ( It was an inside joke ), Thank You for another cool kit. Cheers Martin

Amen to that Rob. Like the darker shade on the nose. Good maintenance

I don't know how to cast, so the dolphins nose itself could be a challenge. I made a template of the original glass nose from plaster, and started layering epoxy putty .

Doors openings were cut out and doors are being fabricated as we speak.

RH side integrated fuel tank had its heat generator remover and was shortened with a help of drop tank from P-51. Good times LH side tank was reshaped in order to accommodate wider door.

And the ramp itself.