I have been watching this thread from afar Stan.Your build is coming along great.I have this kit part built and lost enthusiasm when various photoetch items didn't fit.I have since learned the problems arise with the gold medal photoetch in that Loren Perry designed the etch from the anatomy of the ship book as opposed to the kit.One problem area is the main turret handrails.The kit turrets are quite a way from where they should be and the rails need modifying to sit properly.
After a brief flirt with the idea to scrap the superstructure and build mine as Shinano,I will revisit the model and build her as Yamato in her final guise.My enthusiasm has been rekindled by Fujimi's kit of her main armament in this scale and also their December release of her fighting tower,which is accurate and more detailed.I have these on order as they are limited availability from Japan along with secondary turrets and 127mm aa armament from L'arsenal.Also I have ordered the additional etch from GMM for the vents and seaplane tracks etc.
It will be a long while before she is back on the bench,and I don't envisage her as being a quick build.
Regards
Nigel