kermit - Nice save on your F-51. I can relate to your experience with your build as i went through the same frustration with my P-51D. We're both glad those builds are done, aren't we? I'm already applying what I learned from that experience to my current AT-6 project.
vetteman - Speaking of the AT-6, here are some of my notes you might find useful. Probably nothing too informative but I thought I share nonetheless. Today i glued the wings together. I should have my airbrush returned to me (see below) soon and can then proceed further. I'm looking forward to seeing posts about your build.
AT-6 Texan Notes
1. When dryfitting all the parts involved in Fuselage Assembly (Step #3) I noticed that the fore, topside did not fit particularly well. My remedy was to remove the front instrument panel and sand some of the port and starboard ends. I also sanded off about 1/2 of the nodules on the backside of the instrument panel. Since it slides in easily, I'll reinstall the instrument panel once the fuselage is glued together.
2. The correct fit of the Nose Panel (#11) is dependent on the cockpit cage being flush with the upper part of the fuselage. The forward, starboard side of the cockpit cage was raised up a bit and needed to be sanded down. Not sure why this was necessary as the cage was mounted properly in fuselage (or at least I think so!).
All - I have to put in a plug in for Badger Airbrush company. I managed to plug up the "Shell" of my airbrush. (I know how it happened - rookie mistakes.) It was hard to insert the needle and often hard to remove the needle. I debated whether I should send it in or not, but in the end decided to send it in. All I had to pay was shipping - $5.15. They will professionally clean it and send it back. It would have cost me that much to drive to my LHS and buy airbrush cleaner. (I will pick up airbrush cleaner on my next trip to the LHS so I can safely clean the airbrush myself.) Anyway, I thought this was a nice service provided by Badger. Passing it on....