The next step is to fit the cockpit into the fuselage and join the two halves together.

 

 



Dry fitting the fuselage halves show it shouldn't be a bad fit.

 

 

A little clamping get the fuselages together without too much trouble.

 

 

There are two options for the front deck. These form the covers for the main fuel tank.

 

 

The fit isn't great. I think the cockpits ended up slightly wider than they should, and maybe slightly misplaced. Would have been nice if you could slide them in after gluing the fuselage together.

 

 

With some sanding and scraping they don't look too bad.

 

 

I was going to fit the front lower cowling next but the wings need to go on first. They start with the wheel tubs and front spar, though I managed to snip the front one for the second wing!

 

 

Next is the pivots for the gear legs. Tis isn't the best way of doing things and they are fiddly. The rear spar fits next.

 

 

Not sure how well the gear leg will fit to the pivot, only time will tell.

 

 

Time for a decision, or 'how to convert a double build into a single one'. I decided to clip the wings of one aircraft. I marked the cut point with dymo tape and cut of the tip. I left it long so it could be sanded flush later.

 

 

There's no alignment pins but it does line up alright. Leaving the upper wing long help give an alighment surface. A bunch of pegs hold everything together.

 

 

The other wing is easier and also aligns well.

 

 

With the glue dry, the wing tip can be sanded flush using my new toy, a mini belt sander.

 

 

The other wing came out good too.

 

 

With everything sanded, the slipped wing tip can be fitted. These are clear parts and slide into plae.

 

 

Dry fitting the wings show a small gap on the roots, but it shouldn't be an issue.

 

 

Fitting the wings to the fuselage will be the next step.