Been awhile since I've posted here

Been busy with daily life.
Anyways, I recently started my USS Essex which will be done in her 1958 configuration due to my uncle having flown off her decks then with VF-11
The kit is the Revell 1/542 from 1957 (so says the instructions & markings on the kit)
I'm using the GMM PE set for this and I've never worked with them before so, any words of wisdom would be appreciated:

Click on Image to Enlarge(Editor's Note: Uh, Eddie, that box [at left] is the Revell FORRESTAL
, not Essex - and behind it is the HASEGAWA
[straight-decked] Essex - though at right you're showing us the correct hull, there. In any case don't throw out any of those ancient REVELL BOXES - particularly if you have [any of] the early Essex CVA-9 box[es] - as they are real classics! [More words "of wisdom" to follow, in a response below].) ...now the fun begins:

Click on Image to Enlarge...instructions say to remove all molded on detail from bottom of elevators... does that mean all the cross bracing too??
I've also started on the bridge:

Click on Image to Enlarge