I wouldn't let the 'A' forum malcontents get you down.  This hobby is filled with folks who have champagne tastes on a beer budget.  It's your hobby to enjoy however you do it.

I'd be interested in seeing your photo essay.  As said, the innards look to be a big improvement, the paintwork looks good and from my view only the cab, beacon and pilot need work to make it into a better model.  I'm not sure where to get the parts to do that and even if I did, no place to do the painting.  That's why I was hoping for something a bit better out of the box (think that other 'A' brand since the prices are comparable).

Nice...but.  The upgraded innards definitely look good but the thick cab wall, LED and open pilot put me off.  To do the under the hood improvements justice it'd been cool to have a thin(ner) walled cab, more realistic beacon and pilot.  I was kind of hoping for more at that price point.

Robert...enjoy!  If I were into detailing as you are (witness your older run photos) it'd be a great jumping off point.