Next is to fill in the open sections of the fuselage.

The top fuselage insert will fill that large opening at the top of the fuselage. The fit is ok but some seamwork will be required to fill the gaps.

Under the rear tail a pair of hatches are installed.

The 2nd hatch is then installed just forward of the rear gunner position.

The canopy is crystal clear, normally at this stage I would not install it until the airframe is completed. But I went ahead and attached it. Not a great fit, may pop it off and work on the fit.

Next up to assemble the engine...

more to follow...

Nice progress, my friend @uscusn!

Now to the engines, and this will not be a quick process. But first to install a hatch I forgot to show on the last session that is under the rear section of the fuselage.

The engines are quite involving and really are miniture models on their own.

First step is two assemble the front row of the Shvetsov ASh-82FNV 1700hp radial engine. Aluminum is dry brushed over the pre painted black.

Next the support ring is attached to the rear of first set of cylinders and crank case.

Next the crank case cover, Grey with silver push rod tubes. Then placed in front of the forward row of cylinders.

The second row is assembled and ring attached. I also painted the valve covers Dull Aluminum.

Next is to assemble the front and rear halves of engine #1. You have to be careful of aligning the tabs here as is it will affect the rest of the detail parts to follow in the next process. Critical that the tabs match. Most kits this as far as most will go and would normally be done with an engine, not this one.

The rear collector ring is attached. This would not go on at all. Had to trim the inner section of the ring and on the rear of the tab to get this to fit finally. Again align the tabs.

So far this where are at. 10 pieces so far and not halfway done yet. Recently assembling the Hasegawa Hellcat P/W radial with just 5 pieces.

Next is to install the exhaust system. 4 more parts.

Painted Gun Metal, then attached, again this where the previous steps are critical to get these exhaust manifolds to fit properly.

Next to install the ignition ring and harnesses.

Eng #1, 1st stage is completed, eng #2 is in process, a comparison to the real McCoy.

More to follow,

Engine looks excellent, my friend @uscusn!

John, a tad over 20 parts make up these a model within the model. And 2 of them.
Thanks Spiros, slowly getting there.
Thanks Louis. This process took 2 weeks to assemble both engines and then corresponding landing gear.

Superb job, my friend @uscusn!

Superb job, my friend @uscusn!

Thanks Spiros and John, now I can breathe, getting past the most complicated part of the build.