Thanks much for this thread. I just started my SMP a week ago, been sitting in it's box for over a year. A couple things I've learned, the hard way, that may help any one else building this kit.
Do not put the cockpit floor in before gluing up the 1/8" nose balsa. this is the only access to the formers from inside the fuse.
Do not glue in the 1/8" balsa nose bottom before fitting the cowl. Fortunately, I was planning to install a removeable hatch in this area, decided to glue up the cowl and test fit it first. The plans manual says " Careful shaping of the nose is necessary to achieve a good fit". What an understatement! Spent a couple hours carving and sanding the nose! Finally got a "good fit". The bottom would have had to come back out had I installed it first.
That's it for now. Just have to decide on a color scheme. Looks like I should have plenty of time to decide!