SHINDEN KAI N1K2-J

[DRUMS01]

1/24 Bandai Kit of N1K2-J Kawanishi Shinden Kai.

The Kawanishi N1K-J Shiden (紫電 "Violet Lightning") was an Imperial Japanese Navy Air Service land-based version of the N1K. Assigned the reporting name "George", the N1K-J was considered by both its pilots and opponents to be one of the finest land-based fighters flown by the Japanese during World War II. The Shiden Kai possessed heavy armament as well as surprisingly good manoeuvrability, due to a mercury switch that automatically extended the flaps during turns. These "combat" flaps created more lift, thereby allowing tighter turns. Unlike the Mitsubishi A6M Zero, the Shiden Kai could compete against the best late-war Allied fighters, such as the F6F Hellcat, F4U Corsair, and P-51 Mustang.

Production difficulties and damage resulting from B-29 raids on factories led to only 415 of the superior N1K2-J fighters being produced. The N1K2-J Shiden-Kai proved to be one of the best dogfighting aircraft produced by either side. Along with high speed the Shiden-Kai offered pilots an agile aircraft with a roll rate of 82°/sec at 386 km/h (240 mph) backing four powerful 20 mm cannons in the wings. As a bomber interceptor the N1K2-J fared less well, hampered as it was by a poor rate of climb and reduced engine performance at high altitude.

This is a rebuild of an older "botched" first attempt. Being this kit is over 45 years old, I was pleasantly surprised by its recessed panel lines and other details. The fit was overall very good, but some of the details were lacking in areas which I modified. There is a large amount of scratch building in the cockpit, wheel wells, engine, and left gun bay. I wanted to build something different, and this is it. I hope you like it as much as I liked building it:











Your feedback is encouraged.... Happy Modeling!!

[DRUMS01]

Is it really that bad? 51 views and not even one response?

Should I remove the thread?

Ben

[Panzergrau]

Is it really that bad? 51 views and not even one response?

Should I remove the thread?

Of course not. Just sometimes people don't know what to say
Your build is a "surprise package" for me at least: I'm not familiar with the scale, nor with the manufacturer or aircraft type so I cannot appreciate your performance

If I like what I see? YES!

Was that helpful?
Gabriel

[barrythornton]

Is it really that bad? 51 views and not even one response?

Only just caught it. Im a sucker for J-aircraft and the scope to weather them.
Did you do a build thread ? would like to examine more.

[DRUMS01]

Gabriel, thanks for the remarks...

Barry, sorry but I did not do a WIP thread. The colors are a mixture of Model Master and Tamiya paints. I did the typical paint then clear acrylic followed by decals and then another seal dull coat. I then used washes and pastels for the panel lines, exhaust, and gunpowder residue. The fabric flaps and rudder were dry brushed a light pale green over the wash to simulate fade / wear. My chipping was done after looking at on-line and book photos by using testers bottled chrome and a combination of wood toothpick and a cut down piece of plastic sprue. Inside the cockpit, the belts were stained with a tea bag and dirty thinner. Hope that gives you some insight on the build.

v/r,

Ben

on deck:

finishing of my 1/24 Airfix Harrier

[barrythornton]

Thanks for the info ....ive got a Zero to get around to.