Divide the roughly shaped fuselage block into three parts: the cowling section where the annular radiator will be attached, the center fuselage section, and the tail section which will receive the extension piece. Also prepare an extension piece approximately 1 cm long.

Fig. 3-2-1 Fuselage Parts

Shape each fuselage block using a knife, file, and sandpaper. Temporarily attach the extension piece to the vertical-stabilizer side. Pay particular attention to the subtle bulge of the MG 131 machine-gun cover and to the surprisingly angular cross-section of the rear fuselage, referring closely to photographs as you work.

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Fig. 3-2-2 Fuselage Shaping

Now begin work on the MG 131 gun ports located on the upper fuselage. First, mark the exact positions and drill pilot holes with a pin vise. Start with a 0.7 mm drill bit, then enlarge the holes with a 1.5 mm bit.

Fig. 3-2-3 Gun Ports

Use a small round file to gradually widen each hole until the brass tubes will fit snugly. Proceed carefully to reach the required diameter.

Fig. 3-2-4 Shaping the Gun Ports

Insert the brass pipes into the completed holes and fix them in place with instant adhesive. Because the pipes will later be filed to shape, they must be firmly glued.

Fig. 3-2-5 Bonding the Gun Port Pipes

When the adhesive is completely set, file away the upper halves of the brass pipes so that their curvature follows the fuselage contour. This completes the gun-barrel channels for the MG 131s. Next, open the cockpit opening. Carefully carve from both the upper and lower sides of the fuselage using a chisel.

Fig. 3-2-6 Detailing the Fuselage

To give realism to the tail-wheel bay, form its cover by heat-pressing plastic sheet over a wooden mold carved from the fuselage itself. Because of the plastic sheet’s thickness, make the mold slightly closer to the tail than the actual location.

Fig. 3-2-7 Tail-Wheel Bay Cover

Once the heat-pressed tail-wheel bay piece is ready, cut an opening at the designated spot and glue the shaped plastic part in place.

Fig. 3-2-8 Tail-Wheel Bay Fitting

The central section of the main-gear wells lies just behind the lower rear of the engine, where various components such as piping and wiring are visible. To reproduce this realistic detail, attach a partial engine piece and accessory parts. Cut the recesses for these parts in the same manner as for the cockpit opening.

Fig. 3-2-9 Cockpit Shaping

Because the supercharger air-intake is small and difficult to handle, fix it temporarily to the handle of a discarded brush with instant adhesive for shaping and sanding.

Fig. 3-2-10 Supercharger Air Intake

After finishing the shape, insert a brass pipe into the intake and glue it firmly with instant adhesive. Insert a brass wire as a mounting shaft. Drill a matching hole in the fuselage at the designated location and test-fit the assembly.

Fig. 3-2-11 Attaching the Air Intake