Really nice Steve
I too like the figures, they add a little bit to the whole model. Nice to see a "Coastie" bird being done. They don't get enough credit for the mission they perform every day.
Roger that with the figures by the the way. I usually screw the pooch with them and just throw them in the spares box. Never use them.
I see you're thinking of tackling an F7F "Tigercat". Good choice. If you decide to continue with that, here are a few suggestions I have.
First, get NEW resin wheels because the ones in the kit EAT THE PLASTIC!! That's right, eat the plastic. You might have to fix some "problems" right out of the box. The ones I had, ate holes into the fuselage, I kid you not. I hear there is some sort of chemical reaction between the vinyl and the plastic that is just terrible. So, get the True Details or Cutting Edge wheels and throw those rubber pieces of crap into the garbage.
Second, you will have to add a bit of weight to the nose. Cutting edge makes a metal landing gear leg to strengthen up the nose gear. That really is NOT a must have, as the one I built stands just fine on the kit's plastic nose gear. I also put weight into the engine nacelle to spread it out. Depaneding on how much weight you use in the nose, the metal nose gear is something you might want to consider.
Third, those beautifully molded props. They look great OOB don't they? Yup they sure do. Now look closer. Does something look a little odd? That's right, they're BACKWARDS! The knuckleheads molded the prop blades in the wrong direction! Both Cutting edge AND Ultracast make resin replacements that are VERY nicely done. They will make those engines look great.
Lastly, the small things. The pit and the engines are fantstic OOB. If you want the pit opened up you'll need the squadron vac canopy because the kit part doesn't fit over the fuselage. Closed it's fine and it has good visability to what's inside the pit. The wing MG's need tubing. The wing root on the bottom needs a little TLC when attaching the wings so go slow there. The main landing gear is a VERY tricky fit and seem brittle. Use aftermarket decals. The ones in the kit STINK!
With all that being said, I found it to be a terrific build and worth all the extra care needed. When it's done, you can see how on one hand, the F7F was such a beautifull aircraft. One the other hand, you can see how mean and deadly she was. You'll have a lot of fun with it I'm sure.
Regards
Freddie from LI