The Kingfisher is one of the oldest Monogram kits, but the one Kingfisher in 1:48 i know, poor detail, some fit problem, so why should someone build this kit, the finished model looks so good! The kingfisher was in service by so many nations (GB, Argentina, Cuba..) and was on a time in service by the us navy the colors changed from alu, int. blue/gray to the 3 tone late blue. The swimmer version is the most popular to build, but wheel version is include.
and a brother in service the 1:48 Glencoe Grumman J2F-2 Duck
These look great. I like Kingfishers but wouldn't dare build one just because of the flaws you speak of. I think I've had enough of the Monogram warbirds after that last Corsair build I did. That Revell / Monogram Corsair kit will dang near break most anyone of model building. Again great looking fishers man!