Alan,
I think the way that Roden produced this lower wing joint was the first thing that made me think that the edge on the lower wing part was supposed to be flush with the side fuselage panels - that and the fact that the datafile drawings and the Eduard kit in 1/48 does not have this "step", which possibly mislead me (although the pics are right there in the datafile itself!). This is likely the reason why I had all of the fit troubles with the lower wing join as I was possibly trying to force it into a position that it was not intended to go into. Looks like Roden was actually on the right track with this detail and maybe I did them a dis-service earlier by mentioning a poor wing joint!! Sorry Roden!!
I agree that the lower wing is supposed to be "in relief" against the panel in question (which is what leads me to think that it may be a separate reinforcement panel?)
What would I do without good folks like you Alan to point these things out to me!
Cheers again!
BC