Thanks Adrian, really getting into this build so far it is going well. Been looking forward into finally getting into this iconic yet unique WWII night fighter.

Now getting back into the cockpit. First the ingenious process Tamiya came up with incorporating the weighted cockpit floor/nose gear bay is really something. Slipping the plastic portion into the metal section in a way that will be disguised as part of the interior.

PE side panels are placed in the rear compartment. On the LH side rear section.

Next it to attach more PE bits to enhance the cockpit. The side rail will be installed on the LH side part of the cockpit between the pilot seat and rear divider. Then the document pouch is assembled and attached in place in the RH rear wall of the radio compartment. Also gauges and solenoids are also placed on the RH side wall in the pilots compartment.

Next the instrument panel is prepared for the PE bits.

The details are sanded off, then each PE panel is attached with Testors Clear Cement starting with the main center dial/gauge panel. Then the cover is next, carefully aligned to view each dial and set in place.

Then each side panel is attached to the IP and set aside to let it set for a couple of hours

In the meantime, time to work on the radio set and avionics in the rear compartment. Using Nato black to highlight some of the components.

Put that aside before adding more detail. I install the IP in place in the cockpit.

Navigator/radio operator seat is installed facing rearward. The floor being metal helps in highlighting foot traffic wear by simply rubbing some paint off.

Next after some detailing with silver pencil and picking out some knobs. The radio set slips into place on the rear bulkead.

The pilots seat is then placed in the cockpit.

The PE fuse panel is place into the RH side of the fuselage wall.

The visor/hood is cleaned up and is installed in place on the radio/radar set.

Next up to get this all buttoned up. More to follow.

That is some great progress here @uscusn. One thing that I noticed is the angle of the head-armour, no doubt they are angled partly to deflect the exhaust of the "Schleudersitze" as they are angled in their trajectory to cross each other in case of an ejection. Very interesting build - I had the pleasure of seeing the second one in existince that were salvaged from the ocean in Denmark a few years back.

This is going to look AWESOME when finished. The details you have added are going to elevate it to the next level. Well done!

That's a great progress, Chuck. It's so nice that we learn all these details of the aircraft as we follow your build.

The ejection process was a classical eject the canopy and then the seat. There were some red knobs that guided this manouver process. The ejected crew had to release themselves from the seats during the fall...overall not that easy, but still a lot better than just trying to jump from a falling machine with all those Gs pushing you inside. Keep up the good work Chuck!

With the tail finished, time to start on the wings.

The lower wing panels are prepped and pre painted RLM02 in the wheel bays.

The forward upper panel is removed and then attached in position in the front section of the nacelle.

One of the issues is this kit and typical Tamiya despite real nice provided details, is the lack of details in the wheel bays. The PE set helps a bit here with a rear bulkhead for the main gear bays. Other wise you have an open space towards the rear of the nacelle. The PE rear bulkhead fills in nicely.

The upper wing panel is also pre painted RLM2 and has a bit of detail for the roof of the wheel bay.

Next some PE grills are attached in place on the forward leading edges of both wings. It also covers and hides nasty hard to reach seams that would've been difficult to clean.

Now to assemble the engine nacelles.

Made up of 4 pieces, LH/RH halves and installed at the front part of the wheel bays.

Each one are installed on the wings and let sit, a quick test fit loosely on the fuselage.

Another great unique feature is the round wing spare tubes that push through the fuselage and holds the correct angle of the wings when installed. Nice touch.

First push each spar through the fuselage, but are free in the holes not cemented. I place cement on the locating point on the wings and slip them into the wing spars. Once the wings are in place, a dead of cement is applied around the contact points around the inner edge of the wings to fuselage point.

Thats done and now set aside for the next step. More to follow.

1 additional image. Click to enlarge.

The spars remind me of when I used to build radio control airplanes. This is going to be a good-sized airplane in 1/48. Waiting anxiously for the mottling. :o)