Truth to tell, I'm still feeling more than a bit clueless. To me, it all sounds as though the bottom blocks should be thicker to allow sanding without removing the upwards curve of the fuse while simultaneously allowing a curved surface to the underside. And because the forward bottom block has been hollowed out, it is particularly resistant to being raised above the level of the formers while retaining enough thickness to support the hold-down bolts.

I suppose the hollowed-out area can be partially filled with scrap balsa. Although laminating on another 1/4-inch of balsa to the bottom blocks seems like the way to go.

To me, this is an instance of the instructions saying "Magic happens here." It's a trifle frustrating to a first-time builder.

Oh, well. Onward.

Cheers(?),
Richard