I'm getting there, in between knocking off elevons and trying to get jet pipes to stay in position as glue dries. Off scene are the missiles to fit to this beast, they are drying too. Despite the advice of Dave W and some other Phantom aficionados I will fit the centreline gun to this one, I found lots of photos that show these fitted to FI Pahntoms, it is ready to fit after the sidewinders are added.
One or two touch ups are needed, the cockpit surround and canopy edging need a lick of black paint and I noticed tonight that the top edge of the LH intake panel is missing some paint!
I have found lots of photos on the web that show the underside of these being really filthy and a part of me says add more grime but I don't want to push my luck as there are so many bits to knock off now....mmmmm.
This kite will need a parking stand when it is finished so I am knocking one up from a cheap photo frame from Wilko's and concrete rendering sheet from Will's plastic sheeting. When glued to the photo frame backing I scratched some cracks using a blunt box knife blade, it has been painted in VMA 045 Concrete Grey. Later it will have some of the panels masked and painted in lighter and darker shades to break up the base colour followed by a wash and a yellow taxi line.
I know there are cheaper ways to make a base or ready to use downloadable paper/card but I prefer to have something more unique, appropriate to the subject but also the 3D effect compared to printed sheet.