It's been a slow start with this one, just Needed to sort out a few issues with the kit first. I don't believe these problems are representative of this model generally. The reason I say that is thus particular model has been on display in various places, packed and unpacked a few times with the inevitable dinks and people handling it where it shouldn't be handled etc... It was also one of the first large hawks to be produced.

I set about dismantling and degreasing the oleo's and wheels. These really are a work art better than anything else Ive seen from these eastern manufactures infact I think the machining is better than the Sierra stuff I have.

I wanted to start on the wings which is where I discovered the first little problem. The flap hinges have had their slots pre cut. In this case the slots are perpendicular to the trailing edge which is wrong. (The pics in the instructions show the slots cut correctly) They need to be in line with the aircraft's longitudinal axis. If I were to install them in the pre cut slots they would all be angled out board. The first two pictures Ive attached should explain things. The slots have been filled with a epoxy/micro balloon slurry ready to be wet sanded flush and new slots cut. Once the hinges are installed I'll touch up the paintwork visible when the fairings are on. The flap hinges were missing and are being sent but as I said this things been all over the shop so it's not surprising things are missing. I then moved onto the ailerons..........Ideally I would like the linkage perpendicular to the hinge line but because this is faired it's not possible so I'm awaiting some heavy duty ball links so there will be no binding with the linkage off set slightly.