Thanks to all for the many kind and encouraging words! Since it was my first helicopter build in 25 years, I can't really compare it to other helo kits. I was happy with the quality of the fit though and the whole construction was fairly problem-free. Oh, I suppose if I had one gripe it would be that some of the painting guides could have been a bit clearer but that's why we have the internet, right?
The entire kit was painted by hand using Model Master flat enamels and then weathered using various shades of chalk. I then applied a Testors gloss coat for the application of the kit supplied decals since they were the markings of the exact helicopter of the guy for whom I built this. The decals reacted beautifully to Solvaset and then a Testors flat coat finished it all off. It was a fun little build!
Eric