Thanks, guys- thanks a million! The build';s comig along, bit by bit- and now I feel like some real progress is being made!
To answer some questions:
Lufty, I've settled on a Randolph bird- white ailerons and rudder stripes. Mal Mayfield at Miracle Paint Masks has made me a custom set, and I'll (hopefully) be painting on the markings and insignis this weekend. BTW the wheel bay masking wasn't all that hard. The wet-tissue technique I fing to be hard on delicate bits, as it moulds around 'em, then dries too hard in place. I can never get all the fibers out, either.
sfcmac, I wouldn't bank on a thin strip of furnace tape holding permanently, unless you also used some superglue to lock it in place. The adhesive is good across a large area, but weaker on thin strips.
weebles, I love that paint stand! You'll notice I do lay a piece of a favorite old t-shirt across the bearers to guard the finish. The bomb bay is protected by a foam insert- I wouldn't dare use it to support the plane with all that etch within! The Tamiya set also comes witha turntable and some metal spring clips, so it's a real deal.
skydivin, if you trash that kit I'll cry! Build it, I say! BUILD IT!!
Again, my friends- thanks for readin' all this hash- see you next time!
chuk