Far better ! The metal effect is really good on the updated version !
If i may i have one comment to make on the shadings: The wings shadow on the droptank should (in my oppinion), fade below the center line (the horizontal symetry line of the tank) of the droptank. The shade of the wing can't reach the lower half of the tank (if the light comes from above the aircraft). This also is the case for the horisontal stabelizers shade on the fuselage.
Anyway, In my oppinion, your eally have done some great work here !! Well done !