So finally getting into this kit, Xutong starts with making any modifications to some of the parts that pertains to the version that is on the box cover. Though it shows cutting a section of the glass nose to fit on this version, that has already been provided in the kit, whew, I was not looking forward if I had to do that. Cutting clear parts don't end well most of the time.

Here for example is one of the engine cowl covers having the cowl vents sanded off.

Next is my usual process of pre-painting the interior components while still on the sprue. Now being the first WWII Soviet aircraft build, I was still pondering the interior color of this era of a Tu-2, grey green? a variation of Interior green, no It was a grey close to RAF Medium Sea Grey. A shade darker. And close to the grey in the set of Eduards painted PE detail set. So starting with the seats and interior airbrushed the grey components.

The interior of the fuselage halves are also airbrushed the grey from stem to stern.

Wheel bay, inside the engine cowl covers, wheelbay doors all painted.

Next up is to start in the cockpit,

more to follow.

Not an easy but very interesting kit, Chuck @uscusn
Looking forward to see you tackle those challenges

Okay lets get starte. the steps on the instructions are not marked as such, each build step is simply the diagrams in order to proceed, so step 1 is to start on the RH side of the fuselage interior components.

The first thing to do is to remove a section of the side rear of the canopy opening. Xutong has scored a line in where to cut to remove this section. Easily done with a sharp knife.

Next is to install an Eduards PE side panel into the indentation that moulded into the front cockpit interior.

Next a gauge panel is cleaned up and then attach that above the side electrical panel in the slot

Next a rather unique instrument panel arrangement the Tu has. A panel juts out from the RH side of the cockpit. It's attached.

An access panel is then installed under the RH wing root.

The RH IP has set and painted Tamiya Semi Gloss Black

Next the PE panels are attached after sanding off the details.

The IP gauge cover and more PE bits are attached.

Next is to assemble the bomb and tail wheel.

More to follow.

Nice improvement on the interior, Chuck @uscusn

Next is to continue work along the RH side fuselage, assemble a bomb.

More control boxes are installed on the RH side cockpit wall.

The bomb is quite large and one is carried with in the bomb bay.

The halves are assembled one half has the tail fin moulded in, once assemble, the 2nd fin is attached.

The fin support braces are then attached, a total of 8 braces.

Still on the RH side fuselage, the tail wheel assy and minor details.

First a pair of 02 bottles are painted Blue and attached to their racks on the RH side rear operator compartment.

Then a set of 3 port hole windows are installed toward the RH quarter side of the fuselage.

Next to assemble the tail wheel. Normally I would wait to install this later in the build process, but I am not to familiar with Xutong and decided to proceed and assemble and install, I am normally careful not knocking it off due to handling, and there is stilll a long ways to go.

The tail wheel compartment bulkhead. Installed to the RH side rear of the fuselage.

The wheel is Russian Hub Green, Tire is painted Testor Rubber, the strut is Lt Grey.

First the strut is attached to the actuator, then the wheel is sandwiched between the two spindles and left to set, the attachmenet point is not the greatest.

Next up is to start work on the LH side of the fuselage details,

more to follow

1 additional image. Click to enlarge.

Nice result, Chuck @uscusn
Quite a complex construction on that tailwheel.

Next is to work on the LH side fuselage interior details, starting at the cockpit working back.

1st like on the RH side, is the service panel is attached in place on the LH side.

Next an electrical box is place on the LH side cockpit wall. Pretty drab in appearance, An Eduards PE part really helps here.

The LH console panel is attached to the LH side wall.

The radio set is place a bit aft on the LH side rear compartment.

The unique style of LH/RH side instrument panels the Tu-2 design bureau has come up with. The LH side IP is attaced just ahead of the console.

PE detail part which is what I believe is a small extension that serves as a table to write down information as recieved through the radio set, compass points, while in flight.

Console control panel plate is attached to the LH side console.

The IP gauge panel is is installed then the cover over the gauges. So far everthing is fitting well, contact points are good, not to fiddly yet.

Now working back into the rear gunners compartment. Several control electrical boxes will be attached along the rear side wall.

Next set of boxes may be for intercommunication with the pilot and crew.

Finally that last box is attached and dry brushed, a wash is applied to the interior to enhance the stringers along the side of the fuselage.

Next up is work on the flight deck, seats,

more to follow,