Probably my last update for the next month or so, since 'work' is getting ready to seriously impose on the modeling time for a bit. Can't be helped.
Basic fuselage work is done, with the fuselage itself assembled and seams cleaned up/rescribed. Since the fuselage is a carry-over from the company's earlier -F model, some molded fuselage details like fuel-fill and access hatches had to be done away with, some re-positioned, and some new ones scribed in. I added the prominent circular compass hatch on the lower port side, for example.
The kit's optional 'tall' tail was a pretty good match shape-wise for the one indistict photo I have of the real a/c I'm portraying, so no drastic reshaping was required. But it appears my bird had the smooth wooden-construction rudder, so the prominent ribs molded on the kit piece had to go. Likewise the upper and lower trim tabs; many versions of the tall tail had these, but as best I can tell mine had only the Flettner tab ...for which an actuator arm will be added, in due course. Horizontal stabs had the same heavy ribbing---and a company logo---that likewise had to go.
The kit came with large holes in the aft cockpit bulkhead, to allow the kit canopy's fairly sturdy 'peg' style hinges to pivot; I filled these and sanded off the kit's barey-visible baggage hatch outine, and replaced the hatch with styrene with photo-etch brackets. (A bit more to be added there, after painting.)
I still haven't quite decided whether to use the kit's canopy---which, while thick, is clear and nicely-molded---or whether to go for the Radu Brinzan photo-etch version I have in the stash. We'll see.
Once the fuselage is wrapped up, I'll tackle issue of the bit of dihedral that needs to be added to the wing assembly...and start detailing-up oil coolers and landing gear wells.
Thanks to all for following along.