Thanks guys... glad you're enjoying the build... here's my latest update:

Just like many of you, I have been watching other's build this same model kit with awe and amazement.  I've watched how some people tackle a particular problem with detail or inaccuracy and think to myself why didn't I think of that.  I've seen some fantastical elaborate ways of solving problems that come out looking extremely incredible... but I think to myself why go thru all that trouble.  Well, here's my solution to a problem with the blaster holes on the top hull behind the radar dish.

I don't know why, but it seems as if the scan of those "bullet holes" came out as indentions.  Almost as if they are some kind of computer artifact that the computer couldn't quite interpret and just said fudge it and made them all even.  Now, I've seen some builders actually cut these holes out completely, use a soldering iron to melt the plastic, burn the plastic... heck... I've even seen some people replace the entire panel itself with their own scratch built part.  The problem they all run into is the metal framework behind them.  You could cut the framework or try to work around it.  Me... my solution doesn't damage the plastic panel or the framework at all.  All it takes is a little Epoxy Putty (also known as Apoxie Sculpt, Aves, Magic Sculpt, or any 2 part Epoxy Clay Compound that you mix equal parts together and it hardens by itself)!

Here's the panel I'm talking about...

[ATTACH=full]83280[/ATTACH]

Now notice how nice and symmetrical these blaster holes are?  Even thou all the "holes" are in the proper place and position... they don't look anything like they should on the actual prop here (image of the actual prop on display at Star Wars Identities in France photographed by Jean-Marc Deschamps & Olivier Cabourdin)...

So here's my method... take a small ball of putty and place it into the hole. 

[ATTACH=full]83281[/ATTACH]

Squish it down until it fills the entire hole...

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then wet your finger and make a depression or dimple in the putty.  Smooth it out so that all the edges are even with the top edges of the hole and then take a hobby knife or whatever else that you use for fine detail work and stab it in the middle of the putty.  Slowly and gently move it back and forth to create a hole in the middle wiping away the putty from the black inside the hole. 

[ATTACH=full]83283[/ATTACH]

You can work it back and forth to create a realistic hole but not too big.  Remember the hole is only in the center of the depression.  Use the pushed aside putty gathered around the hole you made to create the torn flaps.  Notice that there are 2 completely filled holes here just like on the original prop.  Repeat the same process for each hole and set it aside for the putty to cure and harden.  Paint to taste! 

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Viola... you've just created realistic blaster holes without cutting, marring, maiming, melting, defiling or otherwise destroying the plastic whatsoever (however you can berate the plastic and call it names to your hearts content because it doesn't know any better, just make sure to kiss and make up afterward!) and you never have to worry about the framing behind it!   When it's dry and all painted up you'll see a world of difference!  Hope this little tip helps!  Lemme know what you think!