I hope you test-fit the cockpit with the seat in it with the canopy. I built some monogram Hornets a while back using an AM pit designed for the monogram kit and found I couldn't put the canopies fully down with the seats installed. Not sure if I screwed something up, but that seat looks really high.
On the nose, I do not envy you that project. If you happen to have a monogram Hornet around you might almost be better off making a casting of the nose cone (or several to share with all the other guys!).
I love the finish by November stipulation, that's awesome!
Groot