looks great! This is one of those jap planes that could use a new mould sometime soon. Looking forward to see it completed Spiros. I like the dolly also

Thanks @holzhamer and @georgeswork!
Approaching the finish line, but still some way to go!

Fitted those small tubes at the front struts (made of stretched sprue, painted gunmetal).

Fitted carefully the three radar antennas, which were flimsy (painted steel) and the pitot.

The rear gun was fitted in "stowed" position

Spiros, @fiveten
This is getting very close to being done, and it sure looks great ! As far as the small tube you were asking about, that is located on the starboard side pontoon strut, I believe it is a small step for the crew to climb up on the wing. There very well could be one on the other side too...

Your radar array is looking top notch as well. I have seen pictures of this setup used on a B5N Kate before, and a few other Japanese planes as well. It has been a little while since I have looked inside the box of my kit. Were these parts included or did you scratch build them ?

Either way they look very authentic. Who knows ? You just might top 200 comments.

Hi Louis @lgardner.

Thanks for the info about the small "tubes" (yes, there's one on the other side, too, myself being lazy, not only take another pic, but also not to mention it!): step for the crew makes perfect sense! At the box artwork they are depicted like smallish strong protrusions, not really resembling pitots. Great! Mystery solved!

The radar abtennas were included in the kit, needing just some careful cleanup, as they are very delicate.

...200 comments is the positive scenario...

...200 build thread postings is the converging reality...(lol)

Thanks again, my friend!

Spiros (@fiveten) my friend - this is looking great! - As has been mentioned the pegs would most likely be "steps" to get to the cockpit from a boat.

Took some cockpit pics before fitting the one piece canopy (with the gunner's part separate) :

After attaching the propeller (yes, it rotates), I then proceeded to install the canopy:

[pic5)

Fit left a lot to be desired, so I went on a trimming trial and error process.

The huge gaps left were treated with white glue (seen curing at the pic).

The canopy was treated with a coat of Future and, despite the inevitable "I-flow-loose-in-the-box" scratches, is quite clear and, to my delight, a lot of the cockpit can be seen.

After the white glue cures, touchups, fitting the aerial wire, painting its mast the upper colour, so we can cross the finish line.

All the best!

1 additional image. Click to enlarge.