folks thanks. this was the first "day" that i had taken to focus on building. and i spent a great day browsing the forums, gluing, painting, and in general indulging in this wonderful hobby. for the record the order was glue, browse, chat, post, paint, post, glue, chat, glue, paint, etc, etc. you get the point.
the handles are 28 guage wire and cut to fit. they were the only non kit pieces that were installed.
thanks to all for letting me share my day. i hope to do the same next weekend but you know how that goes.
joe