OK so here is the start of the build. As usual the cockpit is always the first thing that gets built and detailed. I did not like the kit instrument panel and the Eduard gauge film lacked character. So I went online and found two photos of a B7 instrument panel and made a decal of it. I then sanded the kit panel and painted it white. Added the decal then used the top part of the photo etch panel and then painted the knobs and switches as they were on the reference photo. The bulkhead between the pilot and gunner was shaved down and photo etch braces for the seat were added. I then added more photo etch details like replacing the kit pedals with photo etch and replaced the thick pilot seat with the photo etch replacement. The gunners seat had a burlap pad (made with cloth tape) and photo etch seat belts.

I added some cables and wires to the cockpit walls and weathered everything with pastel chalk. As soon as the seat is fully dry I will weather it then assembly the rest of the cockpit. Getting the fuselage ready for the cockpit and assembly. So here are some of the photos so far.

18 attached images. Click to enlarge.

Nice looking innards

This is a great example of photoetch bringing a kit to life. Very nice indeed!

The PE really makes a difference here - even partly hidden it is one of those details that, when you find them on someone elses model, makes you appreciate the work even more.

Moving forward the landing gear is on, Oil cooler added with photo etch cooler inside, and bottom base coated. I then started to detail the torpedo. The thick plastic fins were removed and the photo etch fins were added. The photo etch dual screws were assembled and installed. Getting ready to paint the torpedo and base coat the top.

6 attached images. Click to enlarge.

Great progress indeed. I love the torpedo.

The base coat of paint is done. Painted and assembled the propeller. I mounted the torpedo and the rear gun. The photo etch set included an ammo belt for the rear gun. I drilled the barrels of the wing guns and did some weathering for the exhaust and some staining on the rest of the aircraft. Getting ready to put on the decals and do final weathering.

12 attached images. Click to enlarge.

I applied the decals yesterday and last night did the final coat weathering and top coat. I painted the canopy and used EZ-Line for the antenna cable. I ran it from the mast base up thru the canopy and to the tail. This is now officially the first Group Build I have done and the B7A2 Grace is now complete.

Overall this is a nice kit to build. Only thing I would like to note is the insignias are two parts. You really cannot see the green as it is identical the the Tamiya paint but I recommend placing the first part down then after it is dried apply the second part. They flatten out a lot better if you do them apart instead of at the same time. The fit and details are very good. Thanks for letting participate. Hope you enjoyed my build.

10 attached images. Click to enlarge.