This is my first plane I've built and about the 4th model ever built. I've done many mistakes on it, but I've learned a lot, including many techniques tried for the first time. By the way, the plane is missing the two antennas on these pictures which will be glued on shortly. (lost during flat coating)

Here are some of my mistakes and lessons learned:
Incorrect camo (should have had hard, not soft edges)
Brush painted canopy (will mask or use easy masks in the future)
Foggy canopy (bought some polishing compound)
Some decals applied incorrectly (should use reference pictures)
Did not use weights in the nose (hence the gluing to a platform)
and should have added the landing gear and other parts as very last step

I'm going to add two Czech master figures to this model later on (pilot and mechanic) when I receive them.

I think I'll do a much better job on my remaining 4 planes. (1/48 Academy Mig-29, Su-27, Tamiya BF109K and Eduard FW190)

http://gallery.kitmaker.net/data/18358/IMG_1780_1.jpg
http://gallery.kitmaker.net/data/18358/IMG_1789_1.jpg
http://gallery.kitmaker.net/data/18358/IMG_1795_1.jpg
http://gallery.kitmaker.net/data/18358/IMG_1785_1.jpg
http://gallery.kitmaker.net/data/18358/IMG_1793_1.jpg

Thanks to all for advice on this project. I've learned a lot from this board!

BTW: I've used Xtracolor enamel paint for the underside and Misterkit acrylics for everything else. The flat coat was Modelmaster lacquer flat.

Just wanted to say good job, the soft sprayed camoflauge still looks pretty good. Keep on building. Russell

Really good one - especially considering it is your first plane.
I am myself in the process of "rediscovering" things with wings that has no tracks and weights below 45 tonnes. :-) I am in the process of a 1/48 Phantom II.

The camouflage looks really good, even though it might not be entirely correct on the wings. The sides of the fuselage is very nice done in 1/72 scale.

Good choice of models for the future. There should be good possibilities to further expand your research library on those birds.