I think you're coming along great, DesertRat :)
The more models I build, this is what I seem to discover over and over again:
You have to constantly watch your results so that you can modify your method
for the given scenario. In other words: no two part are ever sanded, painted,
or glued the same way. The best result comes from looking at each small step
(like bonding an antenna) as it's own project, and then deciding what tools,
processes, and materials will yield the best approach. Slowly, all of these
mini projects will come together as a fine model.
I only mention it because I find myself still learning this now after many years!
The other thing I recommend to new modellers is to use many different materials.
Don't just stick to the plastic parts in the kit, use anything you can find. Staples
and paperclips make great probes / antennas. Wire mesh is great for inlet ducts.
If you don't have them already, buy some plastic sheet stock of various thicknesses
for the occasional scrap-built part. Also, use lots of different glues. Sometimes
I prefer liquid cement, other times tube cement. Lately I'm using lots of superglue
for small parts.
Cheers.