Worked further on the Flak base. This really is a beautiful kit - if given time and sanding sticks, in that order - the research done on this beast is astounding. There is a final 1-1 version in the Aberdeen proving grounds in Maryland, I guess Takom mist have been there taking a gazillion pictures...

This kit dates from 2015, I got mine last year but now it seems sold-out. Could be this is because the dealers face the shipping crisis worldwide, so kits made in Asia (China) no longer reach us because of the extreme rates on 40ft containers currently, who knows.

I decided to put a full metal core through the elevation drive shaft, seemed like this was the easiest way to make sure everything was lined up all right. Here is where I am at, should be strong and bullet-proof!

Michel, @michel-verschuere
Very impressive ! I'm sure this replacement metal part will be more than adequate, and plenty strong. Aren't these the same 128 MM cannons that were installed on the Jagdtiger's ? Both types, Porsche and Henschel ?

Yes in fact it's the same barrel, only the powder charge and shell will be different (AP instead of Fregmentation rounds with Flak) and then the recoil mechanism will be more compact. But essentially the same gun as for the Jagdtiger. There, they did not call it Flak (Flugzeug AbwehrKanone) but PaK Panzer Abwehr Kanone) 44, see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/12.8_cm_Pak_44

This looks amazing, Michel @michel-verschuere
Very realistic look with the balsa wood.

Worked a bit further on the Flak today, there are intricate parts to this kit, including PE. Overall the fit is excellent although there are some seems here and there that require sanding. As for the Eduard PE set #36329: I managed to add all detail so far, though some of the bending and twisting of the PE was a bit of a challenge. I have a bending tool that I made myself, but I also found parts that had to be bent circular so in the end I decided to stick them to a drill with tape and then roll them over the drill. This worked out quite all right!

Here is a picture of the - still disassembled - parts of the superstructure. Since this is natural color, you can see where the PE went. I hope to be able to assemble the gun tomorrow.

As for the base: The wooden platform is finished, took me several sessions across three days. I applied a dullcote layer to it and sanded it flat, after that followed another dullcote layer. It is setting now. With a bit of luck, I should be able to finish that one tomorrow.

Will keep you posted! Happy modeling!

I agree with @johnb, @michel-verschuere!
You are doing a fantastic job!
Looking forward to it!

Looks superb, my friend @michel-verschuere!