Looking good! As you mentioned, mine didn't have a support pole. But that lasted a few months as it slowly drooped down. Now it's propped up with a 1/8" rod under the engine front.
if you need any individual cast pieces let me know, I have every single piece to this little guy from original kits
Nice build, those legs are tricky, but it is worth taking the time to get the articulation right so you can get the various positions later. Coming together well!
PS- What have you done to that bird sculpt behind it!!!
I take it the metal walker armature in the background is for an ESB version?
Yes that's the ESB. I have 5 of those armatures that I have been working on for about 5 years and still lots to do.