Go on Tiger (@uscusn) ! That's a nice start with all the "accessories" (PE parts , painting , parts assembly) .
Looking forward for the next part .

Thanks Erik and Spiros, this is where PE really helps in the cockpit, though Nichimo did ok with the basics.

Louis, really not a bad kit despite it's age. The cockpit may be sparse, but overall the shape and engraved panel lines are good. And the riveting overall not bad either.

Thanks Mike, anything to make this old but not bad kit spring to life.

This session will first test fit alignment of the interior. And thankfully it all lines up perfect.

Next is to work on the instrument panel. The PE set for the Hasegawa is much larger all around compared to the Nichimo panel as you can see when overlay the kit part over the PE.

So this will not work for the Nichimo. Plan B is this nifty dial/gauge set from Airscale that I had originally picked up for the Fine Molds Judy. Extra dials will work on the Nichimo panel.

These were not easy to use and quite fussy. After soaking in very warm not quite hot water, they did not want to release from the back very well. But after some coaxing and patience was able to get them off the paper onto the panel and set them in place. Even then I placed a drop of white glue to keep them from slipping until they dried.

More interior details. A PE electrical panel is place just to the right rear of the seat.

Next schrage musik gun and lower cannon.

The lower gun trough is painted the IJN Green before the cannon is installed.

The upper firing cannon is placed on the LH fuselage side.

More PE details are place over panels on the LH side pilot and gunners compartment.

The instrument panel is installed.

Tail wheel in place and the both fuselage halves are placed together. Still maintained a very good fit, the upper cannon as well.

Next up the wings and tail.

more to follow.

Thanks Spiros my friend, super not quite but better than what is in the base kit yes, a bit better with the canopy being closed up.

Thanks for the tip Greg will definitely check that out.

I love what I see, my friend @uscusn!
This is such a wonderful progress!
Yep, the Schrage Musik cover was not a stellar fit in my case, as well...
The kit provided engines are very nice, too bad they are almost invisible behind the props!
Looking forward to this super Nichimo Dragon kit!

For his age the overal fitting is not bad at all ! With a good wash , all those rivets and panel lines will look fantastic . Waiting impatience for the painting/weathering !

Spiros your WIP on the Nick is a big help so far referring to it from time to time. It was the inspiration to finally getting it started.

Eric, actually got the dials for the Judy, since I did not have the kit decals for this. But there are plenty of dials for several models, it came in handy. Though they are a bit fussy.

Michael, good point, the overall details are not bad for a mid 70's era kit, very good quality surface details and the riveting. Much better than expected, the fit needs some work but bad at all.

Thanks Louis, another excellent GB that still going strong with excellent subjects. You know what takes priority, just keep the faith and the Gardner works will crank up soon.

Those are some gorgeous looking engines, my friend @uscusn!
Your Toryuis looking amazing!