Looking good!
I wouldn't worry about the build duration - I started on mind just before X-mas and am still just getting the fuse framed up. But then my build time is somewhat limited with an 8 yr. old dance princess needing her "Daddy time" too. I also am making a few non-standard modifications as well. I was inspired by the cowled 4* thread and am trying to build a cowl for a side-mounted Saito .72, along with pull-pull elevator and rudder. I'll post some pictures as soon as it stops looking like every other SSE build thread. It's been a fun, but slow process.

BTW, what does the bottom look like?