The least fun part of the cockpit is underway... cabling!

The first work is around the gunner position

Note that the MG (apparently a very late war weapon, copy of the German MG 81, and used only onboard the Seiran) will be for the most part hidden away. I reshaped the end of the plastic

since it came square when the real thing was round, and added the loading lever (is that the proper name?) I am also considering adding an ammo belt, thou I cannot find where (or what exactly) was the ammo bin located. Next will be the pilots office and hopefully by then the proper IP dials should have arrived, enabling me to complete the tube and close the fuselage

Looks great Pedro, look at the patina on that wood. This is going to be good.

Hello Pedro !
I think the word you were looking for to name the part of the MG is called a "charging handle". This is what is pulled to place a round from the belt or magazine into the chamber where it is fired. It also moves the bolt to a rear position depending on the type of weapon. I'll see if I have any pictures of the gunners station for you...I also believe the Smithsonian has a virtual tour of their Seiran on display. It might show some details for you too.

Didn't the Germans send the Japanese some Mauser weapons via U-Boot to the Pacific ? I think they met each other in the Indian Ocean and the transfer took place... This might explain what you have here.

The dolly looks amazing by the way... and now I'm getting the itch to build a sea plane. Too many planes and so little time.

This is another excellent posting my friend. I like how you are super detailing the "offices". The seat harnesses and wiring looks phenomenal ! Well done indeed. I can't wait to see the instrument decals once you get them done. This entire build is a work of art.

They do indeed look to be very similar in appearance. It also has the look of a MG-15 that you often see in the nose of a Heinkel, Junkers or a Dornier. The Japanese also used this and called it a Type 98.

Here is one in a He-111

and another in a Ju-52

It's not Geek talk... LOL Great minds often think alike.

Colin, sorry but your reply was unnoticed till now, must have slipped under the radar.
Thanks for the feedback over the marbling and chipping. Indeed I feel that if there is a subject where chipping the paint over a previous metal coat that subject is Japanese planes. They range from impeccable to deliriously paint flacking effects. The Betty is one wheee creativity will pay, unlike the “museum” look of the Seiran, something I will try avoiding, but still keeping the weathering very restricted.

A quick update- the cockpit is 80% done and is, by far, the area that demands more bench hours. Despite the canopy being only available in the closed position I did my best as if it would be open. A few more details to glue and dry brush and it will be wrapped up

I agree with George... This is fantastic work. The modulation painting and subtle weathering is spot on. You nailed it buddy.

@holzhamer is at it again. Well done - looks fantastic!

That is a very small but also very good addition that will make this stand out!

I just got some 3D printed belts from GasPatch that are printed as a long "snailshell" (?) of belted cartridges - looks equally fine, now I just need an excuse to use them!