Cheapo is the way Phil and its the luck of the draw... I had one that served well for 3 complete large models, but the latest didn't last an hour... good job they are cheap...
Hi John,
Apologies for the lack of info, I assumed this had all been done before.
In the case of the P40 its simply a case of gluing on lithoplate on top and in front of the canopy and then just scribing and cutting through it to the required panel \ access shape. Care has to be taken not to go too deep and into the glass cloth.
The wing fairings access panels are simply Mick Reeves Metalcote cut to section, stuck on, then very carefully edged with a Dremel cutting blade to give the impression of a recess into which the panel sits. Again, you need a steady hand and ensure the glass is only lightly scored. Once its dirtied up, I think they will look the part.
The panel lines are 1/64 Chartpack from Fighteraces and is done in the usual way, laying on, spraying over, light rub, then remove to leave the desired effect.
Hope this helps a little,