Sky
  Thank you much.  I've got the lower center section covered.  It's shrinking now.  Fingers crossed it looks OK.  I'll post pics in a bit.

I have seen photos of Chris Starleaf's work.  I'm so amazed at his abilities.  If only I could attain that level.

Ian
  You know, you're right.  I mean besides me, who's gonna know.  Sometimes I guess I'm just a little too over critical of my work.

I took another look at it and after sanding around the wire it doesn't look that bad after all.

Let the covering commence.

Sky
  You found exactly what I was trying to show.  That's neat how you can add text to the photo.

Looks like I'll have to do a bit of shopping.  Once I get the proper tool I'll do as you suggested and protect the area around the offending wire before I begin surgery.

I've been working the Champ's fueslage today but once I get a free moment I'll give the Chipmunk the attention it deserves.

Sky good point.  So here's the situation.

When I bent the gear I followed the plan exactly.  However, I guess I cut the wire off a bit long on the end opposite to where the wheel goes.  Hopefully the pics can show what I mean. 

The wire is sticking up so making it difficult to sand around the gear mount.  I tried to cut the wire with wire cutters but this is as close as I can get.  My metal file isn't taking it down and I don't own a Dremel.

I'm afraid of being too zealous and damaging the delicate balsa that surrounds the offending wire.  I suppose I could tissue cover the rib bay that houses the landing gear up to the point of the laser burnt wood and leave the dark brown area with the wire exposed.  Any ideas?

Got an early start this morning.  Finished covering/doping the fuselage.

Couldn't resist setting her up for some glamor shots.  Looking pretty good so far despite a few blemishes.

I can attach the tail surfaces now so I'll be getting on to that soon. 

Still gotta fix the landing gear issue.  Basically when I bent the gear wire the side not supporting the wheel is too long and sticking out past where the bottom of the wing is.  I tried to file it but I don't have a proper file.  With the wire sticking out I can't sand the gear mount flush.  Not a huge issue but needs to be addressed before wing covering.

Thyme, no better words have been spoken.  Appreciate your advice.

Started the blue now.  The side opposite is drying.

Like I mentioned, I love the smell.  Pure nostalgia. 

I do have a model work bench in the garage that I can use.  I just prefer our large dining room table that we never use for any other purpose.  I've kind of taken it over.  My Freewing B2 Spirit on one side, my free flight model shop on the other. 

I'll just need to be more careful to not offend the other half with my projects on cure. 

Thank you for the compliment.  For some reason I'm never happy with at least some part of my project no matter how meticulous I try to be.  I suppose I'm my own worst critic.