Would have updated the title bar with completed date but can't remember how I did it before.

 

Gordon

Shaping and sanding major components proceeding.

Hopefully done by end of year.

Gordon

Some more...

I've decided to call the Battle finished.
Have passed it over to my Grandson.

I have left of the black swan on port side and the tail wheel.

Cheers

Gordon

Looking good Jordan.

Gordon

I was able to get the horizontal stabilizer cut and shaped last night. Any advice on which way to run the grain for the vertical stabilizer? I haven't cut that one out yet as I'm deciding...

Here is where I'm at with the fuselage:

Thanks, Ken. I appreciate your reply. I do have a hard time letting things go in terms of perfection on models. I've done plastic models for years, and if you haven't seen, had a lot of fun doing the pinewood derby cars in a different way. I also recognize this is my first go at one of these, so I will certainly be learning new things along the way.

I noticed you've built a Thunderbolt. Do you happen to have any "in progress" photos? The finished product was excellent!

I suggest you shape it until you feel you are finished and complete the model.  I have my first scratch build, warts and all.  Don't get hung up on perfection.  Complete models and learn from them, building a timeline of the progression of your skill and techniques.

As you work for scale thicknesses you will find weakness developing in your models.  Either you will have a lot of broken wings and tails or you will find ways to make them appear scale when they are actually a little too think.

I've gotten a little more of the fuselage shaped and am working out how to go about the canopy and upper fuselage with that scallop shape on the spine. Next up will be to get the tail pieces cut and shaped.