I eventually decided to have another bash (literally !) at this kit.
Wish a fair bit of banging and bashing and cursing (lucky my daughter was out !) I managed to beat the centre axle into a sort of square shape. The cockpit bent fairly easily into an approximate shape, but it's not a brilliant fit. This is the best I could manage. It's passable if you stand well back and squint !

The stand was just as much a pig as the rest of the kit. A simple part with just two bends. However, the metal is too thick and the stand wont fold up very neatly.

Finally I finished off the 'wings' These went OK, although the centre details are supposed to be folded up to give them a bit more depth. However, the metal is too thick to be able to bend a very tiny tab, so I left them flat.

I think the best thing you can say about this kit is that it's a waste of super glue
I really should consign it to the bin, it's so awful. I think the main problem is that the metal is too thick and it's impossible to bend it accurately enough.
Anyway, I hate to be beaten, so I shall persevere until it is at least finished. Then it can stand at the back of the cabinet where nobody can see it !!