Chuck (@uscusn), I may have to add rear-view mirrors to some of my builds? The Eduard Pe-2 is the Zvezda kit reboxed, and I have a few of those. Just give me a shout in a PM if you do not suceed in finding one (will be a bit expensive to send, but we'll figure something out if needed)

Christopher (@brummbaer), Quinto just announced a IP for a 109 F-2, so they are expanding steadily. (they also make vac-formed canopies!)

A bit of catching up on the Tam Lightning. Last I worked on the nose gear bay. With that section completed. Will start work on getting the forward upper and lower halves of the fuselage and upper wing section assembled.

Looking into the cockpit you can now see the nose wheel bulge on the floor of the cockpit. Unique apprach by Tamiya on this detail On the Hase and Academy kits, this is not as pronounced in appearance.

Nose gear bay in place.

Next to assemble the forward fuselage pod.

The lower center wing and pod section. Holes are drilled out for the pylons.

One of three large ball bearing nose weights, this one goes in the nose, another Tamiya ingenious idea.

Just to be safe a bit of cyano is dabbed where the bearing rests in place as it is sandwiched when the halves are assembled. The fit is excellent.

What is quite noticeable now as the airframe starts coming together is the fit will not require much cleanup once assembled so far.

Now to assemble the gun nose. Be careful here there are 2 versions specific for a G or F variant.

My version is the "G" so the panel will be part F4

Next another Tamiya way of doing things is the forward leading edge wing inserts.

Again Tamiya notates the careful removal of the sprue stubs in the instructions. As these are right on the mating surfaces.

Each panel slips into place on the leading edge of the wings.

With both panels installed, beginning to take shape.

Now the nose side panels. These actually open on the real Lightning.

Both sides are installed, fit is flawless.

Now the final for the day is installing the nose. Another excellent fit here as well.

The fit under the nose is also very good as well.

Next up some details more on the forward section before we get into working on the booms.

More to follow.

Good John, you won't be disappointed. it is one of those builds that will impress you as you progress. It is quite enjoyable so far for me.

Chuck, this goes together petfectly. Not only the kit is great, but also your assembly is spotless!
I really enjoyed reading your posting: always detailed and well laid out.
Looking forward to this super build!

Chuck, hoping to see the fully assembled model prior to painting. This kit is benchmark stuff

Looking great, Chuck @uscusn.
Love this engineering!

Great progress, Chuck.
This kit is indeed a real gem.
Your landing lights look very shiny with that chrome pen, very nice, could have improved that on my build.

Finally getting back to the Tam Lightning. Will start to work on the RH side boom, starting with the main gear bay.

This is where Tamiya really stands above all the other Lightning kits in this scale. The gear bays are gems on their own. Hasegawa and Academy really supplied basic parts. Tam supplies really nice details in the gear bays. I for one don't get anal about the wheel bays. I know there are those that will really add harnesses, plumbing, fittings and other missing items that are normally left up to the builder to add or simply get a resin set to replace the kit parts.
Starting with the intake ducting which in the Hase and Academy kit are just elbow pipes. The Tam kit has the inlet and details to add enhance this part of the bay. Made up of 3 pieces to assemble.

This will attach to the side wall and roof of the gear bay.

Next the forward wall of the bay.

The actuator arm will be placed in the notch on the forward wall. Don't even need any adhesive, snaps right in. What is a great advantage it also sets the proper angle of the arm.

Now to work on the rear wall. Nice step by step process by Tamiya.

The rear shield is prepared and attached to the rear wall of the gear bay.

Next to attach the completed steps to the roof of the gear bay, also a separate part.

The roof of the wheel bay will be the base of the side, front and rear walls to attach.

The RH side wall has the ducting base painted black. A bit of wash is applied as well to enhance the details.

First to install is the rear wall.

The inlet ducting is the attached to the side wall.

Next step is to attach the side walls to the gear bay roof.

The RH side wall is then placed into the side of the gear bay roof. Fit is excellent.

Before attaching the forward bulkhead. Some detail arms for the main gear will be added.
The actuator slips into a notch on the RH side wall of the bay. Then the forward bulkhead is installed after.

Will need to be careful on the next steps as this will be hard not to break off as we continue assemble the Lightning and putting it down.

Gear bay door forward actuator arms are then attached to the gear bay.

Next is what may be the strut retraction actuator. Delicate detail, that attaches to the forward wall. A little fiddly with all the other things going on here. But once in position it snaps right in.

Now the distinctive cooling pipe. Notice the detail on this compared to what Academy and Hasegawa provides.

One end painted with rubber and that snaps into the rear wall. Then curves to the RH side wall, to a junction box.

Now to work on the LH side wall details.

Here another unique bit of engineering by Tamiya. With tabs that snap into notches in the gear bay to give it a nice precise install. Also the nice details that are well represented on the side walls and roof. Riveting, vents, screens and the inlet ducting.

The wall snaps into the notches locking it in place. Again cement optional, the fit is that good.

The details are just enough to make the gear bay look busy. Flip a P-38 on Hase or Academy kit, no riveting details, vents, and the cooling pipe looks like its an exhaust pipe out of a 68 Road Runner. Tamiya has really added some details.

One bit of detail that you will not see is this clip that keeps this all locked in.

6 additional images. Click to enlarge.