Italeri UH-1B "Huey" Vietnam War - build progress

Building this basic Italeri kit takes me back to my childhood in Bucharest, where I built it before in my family's old apartment. It brings back some beautiful memories. 

Interior is coming together beautifully with colors closely matching recommendations. US Gull Grey for the interior is spot on—I'm really pleased with how it's turning out. Planning to use Yellow Olive/Gelb Olive for the exterior, inspired by a helicopter I saw at the War Remnants Museum in Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City)—it feels like the perfect choice. Painting with enamels is a breeze since no primer is necessary, making the process much smoother. 

Before applying US Gull Grey for the interior, I used Mr. Finishing Surfacer 1500 Black. Unlike enamels, acrylics require a primer, but Mr. Finishing Surfacer 1500 Black can be tricky to apply with an airbrush as it tends to clog the Airbrush easily. 

Work result of the second day, interior of the Huey almost done. I painted the instruments panel and the buttons/switches with a needle. I think 50% of the work for this kit is the interior.
 

Cockpit fitted into place, many details painted which I hope will be still visible at the end. 

Seating: Painted the pilot chairs and passenger seats in olive drab to match military specifications.
Seatbelts: Painted the seatbelts pale green for added realism.
Displays: Used green and blue for the displays to replicate an authentic cockpit look.
Buttons and controls: Painted the buttons white with a needle.
Windows: Masked the windows to prepare them for painting later. 

As you can see near the engine, the Italeri kit doesn't fit so well. I have applied Humbrol Model Filler for the gaps.