The clear parts are very transparent. I dipped all the clear parts in Future prior to assembly, which really helps to show that interior detail. All glazed surfaces were masked with Gunze "Mr. Mask Sol" prior to painting. The landing gear is sturdy and well detailed, and holds the weight of the finished model easily. I added some brake lines and hoses to the main gear struts with brass wire. I also cut off the nose wheel strut flush with the fuselage underside to ease assembly and painting. I reattached this later with the aid of a brass pin for strength.

The cowlings needed some extra work, in that all the exhaust ports were drilled out. The cowl fasteners and panel lines were also re-engraved, as some of the detail was a little soft.

As mentioned, a fair bit of filler was used, especially around the wing/nacelle joints, the wing roots, horizontal stabilizer to fuselage areas and elsewhere. This was fairly easily accomplished, however, using Squadron white putty and Cutex as described in the Tools and Tips section on ARC. These areas were then primed with Mr. Surfacer 1000, thinned with lacquer thinner and airbrushed.

The panel lines were preshaded with dark grey enamel (Floquil RLM 66). The model was then painted with Floquil Olive drab over Neutral Grey. The centers of a few panels were post shaded with lightened colors to replicate fading. The control surfaces were masked and sprayed with Field Drab to represent faded fabric doped surfaces. The colorful cowl rings are Testors ModelMaster International Orange.

Future was used as the gloss coat in preparation for decals. Decals were applied "hot", using the Coffee Cup Warmer as described by Steve Bamford here on ARC. No silvering was encountered whatsoever during this process. When dry, the decals were each sealed with a brush coat of future.

All was then given an airbrush coat of Floquil Flat Clear varnish. Weathering was accomplished with a wash of artist's oils and ground pastel chalk.

The model shows what can be accomplished with the older Monogram kits with a little time and effort. The finished product is an impressive model, and successfully captures the look of the real thing. All those Fifties pointing forward look very intimidating!

Special thanks to Al Wynrib for providing the decals, Dave Southam for the research material, and Ted Johnston for the inspiration to complete this model ("Get off you're ___ and finish that thing!", or words to that effect.)

Will