Slow progress on my P59-B Airacomet for this group build. Was in a 1:700 frame of mind this past holiday weekend, 
and that's where my time and effort went.
Here's the kit's box, front and back:
[View:/themes/fsm/utility/
:550:0]
I've been aiming to build the orange US Army test version of this aircraft featured on the left side of the box. My goal for this build is to get some experience with pre-shading and weathering, so a single color, non-metallic version of this plane is perfect for me. As a practice build, I won't be making any effort in the cockpit; heck, even Bare Metal Foil masking efforts on the canopy are a first for me.
Here's the build's status at the moment:
[View:/themes/fsm/utility/
:550:0]
Major sub-assemblies glued up with basic cockpit installed and interior parts painted. Used Model Master Zinc-Chromate in the cockpit and wheel wells, but expect to use Tamiya for the rest of the job. Cockpit glass has been masked with Bare Metal Foil, which worked well for me once I learned to really bare down during burnishing, and then painted the interior color. Will get a second coat of the exterior color during final painting.
Not real happy with my fit of the underwings on either the leading or trailing surfaces. I sacrificed the fit of the top of the wind for the fit of the bottom, then brought out the Squadron putty, which will now need sanding. On other builds, I've tried smoothing the putty with acetone (nail polish remover), but it lifts the putty more than smooths it in my experience - someone will have to advise as to technique, timing, or other process or product.
All suggestions/encouragement welcome. I'm here to learn!
Group Build (Shiver Me Timbers):
1:200 Trumpeter Arizona, 0% complete
1:700 3 Flight Deck Akagi, 10% complete