Progress update, no real worries so far and it looks like it's going to be a straight forward build, until the painting anyway which may prove difficult to capture the "Have Glass" paint finish.
The Aires cockpit doesn't seem to be researched properly and the instructions are vague, as the seat harnesses on the real ACESII seat wind back into the seat when not in use, not loose on the seat as you see here. I might try and fix it later, anyway cockpit is 90% complete with just some PE to add at the end.
Next up was to remove the fuselage moulded IP combings and the area in front of the cockpit to able the fitment of the CMK corrected part with the "Bird Slicers"
and after
The CMK part had to be adapted itself to allow the Aires cockpit to fit with the removal of the IP combing from the CMK part. As can be seen the CMK part is solid so 3mm had to be kit off the front of the cockpit tub to allow everything to fit.
It was then onto the wheel bays. The kit moulded ones are fairly basic, so these were replaced with the Aires ones
Kit moulded
Aires replacement
The fuselage halves were then joined together with the cockpit in place. Considering that there is parts from 3 different manufacturers around the cockpit area, the fit is very good and only a spligen of filler will be required in this area.
The next step will be the engine intake which would've given me a big headache, but I've decided to go with an Intake FOD cover to save any problems and time. The exhaust and wings will be built up over the next couple of days as well.
Scott
