I am glad to see that you have not given up on this project! You are doing a great job on this project! Keep up the great work!Just thought I would post where I am at this point. Had a few flaws but I am learning.
When I first started building template kit models, the very first one that I built was the Thunder Fighter from Buck Rogers in the 25th Century (designed by Martin Saenger). When I finished it, it looked worse than a dog's dinner. However, I rebuilt it several times, before I (finally) figured out what I was doing wrong. It just takes time and patience. You can do this!