I just happen to have picked up one of these planes this weekend. . I was impressed with the quality of the build, and only had to run my heat gun over everything to take out the wrinkles in the covering. It only took a couple of hours to put it together due to the fact that all of the hinges were already in place and pinned. The ONLY issue I've had with it so far is the bottom fuse cover that attaches to the wing. Mine wasn't cut with the same precision as the wing saddle on the fuse was so it didn't fit very well. But I little trimming got it attached adequately.

As far as the firewall goes, mine came already reinforced front and back with tri-stock on all sides. I'm putting my Saito 1.00 in it, so I'm looking for a larger fuel tank to put in it. If I can get a new flight pack and fuel tank soon enough, I'm hoping to maiden her this weekend.