Thanks for the updates Pedro.
I am very impressed with how your builds always look so fantastic ! I see exactly what you mean about the joint between parts not falling on a panel line. That is rather annoying, and you would think that this is something they could have avoided.

Were the round or raised "sink marks" on the cockpit sidewalls in a visible location once the cockpit was assembled ? or were they hidden by the rear bulkhead and seat ?

I agree with your statement about future Gustav releases... I was also thinking this was planned for the future too. There was a small panel that needed filling on the fuselage also if my memory serves me correctly. Possibly for the same reasons.

Were you thinking about building a "Gunboat" Gustav ?

Your painting looks great, and I'll be watching for the next installment...

Another small update, the build is going fast and smooth, the engineering is indeed clever and simple, and for the most parts without compromising details. In fact, in some areas, this kit surpasses all. Take for instance the wing radiators which allows the builder to make them in one of the 3 possible configurations which the real plane had. And this only requires a very small cut of inserts or not, depending which pose one chooses.

The resin wingtips are from quickboost, they are simple drop fit replacements of the kit identical part. The only difference (and reason why I got them here) are the tip lights, which come in clear plastic unlike the kit.

The only upcoming step which I don't like the way it demands us to follow are the UC legs, called to be assembled as first sequencial step to close the bottom wing and it's surfaces. This forces me to move the kit while painting the camo scheme with 2 UC legs pointing out... Oh dear let's see if I manage to do that without harm

3 attached images. Click to enlarge.

All looking great, Pedro. Those U/C construction designs on the Tam’s are a pain. As Louis said, I’d push fit then remove for painting.

Rampage on, dude.

It's been awhile since I last updated this WIP, so here is my current status on the build: fuselage and cockpit done, wings and UC also done, spent some time detailing the engine. Now since the kit allows us to have both the closed and open engine cowling the amount of details one can add is limited since some cables just can't be there if you decided to go from the opened to closed engine compartment. Still some might do and it sure adds realism to a very good plastic basis.

I'll probably have that area wrapped up this coming week and then proceed to the fun part--Paiting!

Oh, it's a Tamiya alright but still has its small faults (or are they mine?!) like the wing radiator gap 🙂

6 attached images. Click to enlarge.

Thank you Louis!
The decals are a very nice touch, something no other maker included as far as I know,
The added wiring and plumbing is a matter of personal taste, but when you get such a nice cast engine I’d say most of us will try to beef it up a bit that way.
The wing radiator gap is quite surely my fault, but it proves that even in a shake ‘n bake kit, like most people regard Tamiya stuff, you can goof.
Glad to hear from you, take care

Sweet looking engine. You have done a great job. How much extra detailing have you added not found in the kit? Hope to afford a Tamiya G-6 some day.

This looks great Pedro ! The extra wiring takes it over the top. Too bad you can't close the cowling now, but hey... it's an excuse to build another 109. Perfect !

I'm going to take a crack at the cockpit "bath tub" question and guess its for a Dornier Do-335.

I see it has rails similar to those used on an ejection seat. The dark gray color gives me a hint that it's German and from WW2.

Just guessing. Whatever it is it looks great.

“I’m going to take a crack at the cockpit “bath tub” question and guess its for a Dornier Do-335“- You have some excellent deductive skills Sherlock, I mean Louis! You’re absolutely right, it is the Aires resin to replace the cockpit of another Tamiya best seller, the Do 335. It started as a break away from the stretched sprue onslaught around the 109 engine and found it so good that I’ll probably finish this long time stashed away kit in a few weeks.
Thanks for the feedback!