Pilot.....were you able to save the details along the spine of the fuse? That is what has me worried...
Re preshading: I would say give it a go if you have an airbrush that will give you the thin lines you need. I can attest that and painting them is a problem. I did that on my B17 and it just doesn't work. Paint goes on too thick. Ever since i discovered pre shading I've been much happier with my finishes. You just have to lay your top coat over it nice and thin and in layers so you just don't obliterate it.