The actual difference in the fuselage is 8", not 1'. Sorry. Luckily the cuts are on panel lines
. I also must add that only the main kit parts were in the bag, all the other parts are in a box somewhere! By the time the house is finished I'll be able to find them. Scott, thanks for the advice re: underside. Luckily the plastic is quite thick, so sanding it down should be quite easy. I don't have many P-47 references, but the book 'Thunderbolt' by R.Freeman has a pretty decent set of plans and some good photographs. Also the old Aerodata book on the P-47 as well.
I need to realign the wing guns, I'll plug the holes with rod and redrill. Also need to build the wheel wells. I do like this old (1965) kit, and as I may have said before, the shape is pretty good. Canopy will need polished out as it's a bit thick.