You should be able to sand down the hood in some areas to make it fit better. You should also be able to put the hood on and sand it flush with the rest of the body. With a little work you should be able to make it fit very very closely and be smooth and ready to paint.
As far as the drybrushing of the cockpit, you want to get an old round brush and dip it in your color. Then wipe all the paint off, really, all of it. When you think you're done wiping paint off, wipe some more. Don't try to get it all done at once, let it take several applications and let the paint build up slowly. With patience you'll get it done.
Madda
Trifles make perfection, but perfection is no trifle. -- Leonardo Da Vinci
Tact is for those who lack the wit for sarcasm.--maddafinga