Airfix model help

Well its must be over 37 years since i did my last Airfix model (Spitfire)
I have just got a model of the Hawk in the colours of the Red Arrows
some of you guys may remember me and my daughter spent a full day with the team at RAF Scampton and was one of the best days I have ever had.

Do i paint the parts 1st before I clue it together or do it afterwards?
37 yrs ago I didn't give a toss and just set about the job, and then when finished would take it into the back field and shot at it with my .22 air rifle, but now it all seems a real daunting task. any help would be much appreciated.

a mate of my paints his 1st then glue then when there are small model hope this helps

Paint first mate, let dry, then glue.
It makes it easier especially for small parts.

leave the figure on the plastic sprue to paint and the small parts makes it easier, like wheels and under carriage etc, then its just a case of touching up where you remove them.
I would build up the kit then (paint the inside of the cock pit each side before joing the fusealge sides) airbrush or spray the complete fuselage and wings etc in one go.
will help cover any join lines.
The cockpit canopy going on last.

just a few ideas.

Cheers guys will post a pic when its done if its any kop could be a while though :redfaced:

my dad was a model maker. he made the kits on the old airfix boxes. they told him off because he painted mini swastiker kill markings on the sides of the fighter planes. lol.
he used to paint the cockpit parts first, glue it all together (minus any glass), paint it in one piece then glue the glass last.  

hope it goes well