I don't build large trucks but this kit has kept my interest riveted from the start just looking at the photos. I might just get one just to fondle the parts.
If you have scratches that would show through a decal, why would you stop sanding before laying the decal down? The whole purpose of sanding/polishing is to smooth the surface ... exactly the type of surface decals LOVE! Just polish it out as normal and lay that decal down!
There's been a number of posts from NNL East. Do you use "View New Content" when checking in here? They will all show up. Check under Contests and Shows otherwise.
Flying tiny parts are my downfall too. I don't understand the magnetization but it could work to your advantage. Maybe you meant static?
I use tape a lot to hold small parts to work on them. I only use self closing tweezers but very carefully as if they do take off the tweezers will shoot them like a rocket across the room.
I checked (with translation) your page, Erasmo, and it was like doing this all over. We sure had some same steps and attacked them in different ways ... very interesting. Shaping brass to fit the side trim extension looked like a real job!