Hasegowa 1/32 Shindenkai George

[Hawkmoon]

This will be the next build but 1st some info care of wiki

The N1K1-J Shiden entered service in early 1944. The N1K1-J, and the N1K2 Shiden-Kai released later that year, were among the rare Japanese aircraft that offered pilots an even chance against late-war American designs such as the F6F Hellcat and the F4U Corsair,[10] and either could be a formidable weapon in the hands of an ace. In February 1945 Lieutenant Kaneyoshi Muto, flying a N1K2-J as part of a formation of at least 10 expert Japanese pilots, faced seven US Navy Hellcat pilots, from squadron VF-82, in the sky over Japan. The formation shot down four Hellcats with no loss to themselves.[11] After the action, Japanese propagandists fabricated a story in which Muto was the sole airman facing 12 enemy aircraft.[12] (The leading Japanese ace Saburō Sakai, later mentioned, in an autobiography, that Muto had, at an earlier stage of the war – albeit at the controls of a Zero fighter.[13])

The N1K1-J aircraft were used very effectively over Formosa (Taiwan), the Philippines, and, later, Okinawa. Before production was switched to the improved N1K2-J, 1,007 aircraft were produced, including prototypes. 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.[14][15]

Captured Kawanishi N1K2-Js having their Homare engines run up by former IJNAS groundcrew.
The N1K2-J Shiden-Kai offered a formidable if demanding aircraft in limited quantities. As a result, the planes were distributed to elite naval fighter units such as 343 Kōkūtai ("343 Air Group") constituted on 25 December 1944 and commanded by Minoru Genda. The new Kōkūtai included some of Japan's finest fighter pilots, such as Muto and Genda. The unit was issued the best available equipment and new Nakajima C6N Saiun, codenamed "Myrt" long-range reconnaissance aircraft.

On 18 March 1945 one of the "Myrts" managed to spot U.S. carriers en route to Japan. The following morning, Shiden aircraft flown by 343 Kōkūtai intercepted 300 American aircraft. Many of the Shiden force were N1K2s. When the Shidens encountered Grumman F6F Hellcats from USN Fighter Bomber Squadron 17 (VBF-17), three aircraft were lost on both sides in the initial attack: one Hellcat and two Shidens were shot down by enemy ground fire, two fighters collided in mid-air, and one Hellcat crashed while trying to land. Another Shiden dived on a Hellcat group and downed another one. In the end the Hikōtai lost six fighters versus eight VBF-17 fighters on the other side.

Another noted encounter pitted the N1K against the Vought F4U Corsair. Two Corsairs from VBF-10, accidentally separated from their main formations, were attacked by Shidens from the 343rd. Four N1K2s were shot down. The Corsairs managed to return to their carrier, USS Bunker Hill. A second encounter took place when pilots flying Shidens initially mistook Corsairs from Marine Fighter Squadron 123 (VMF-123) for Hellcats and attacked. A 30-minute aerial duel ensued in which three Corsairs were shot down and another five were damaged. Three other F4Us returned to their carriers but were so heavily damaged that the planes were scrapped. No Shidens were lost to Corsairs in that aerial battle. Losses for the Japanese N1K pilots did occur in related action, however. Two Shidens were shot down upon return for landing by Hellcats of Fighting Squadron 9 (VF-9), while many more Shidens were destroyed by American fighters over another airfield where, low on fuel, their pilots tried to land. At the end of the day the 343rd claimed 52 kills and the U.S. squadrons 63. The actual losses were 15 Shidens and 13 pilots, a "Myrt" with its three-man crew, and nine other Japanese fighters. The U.S. also took heavy losses: 14 fighters and seven pilots, plus 11 attack aircraft. Five days later an unofficial award was sent to 343rd Kōkūtai for the valour shown on 19 March.

On 12 April 1945 another fierce battle involved 343rd, during Kikusui N.2. The Japanese recorded several kills but suffered 12 losses out of 34 aircraft. On 4 May another 24 Shidens were sent in Kikusui N.5.

In every encounter with enemy fighters the Shiden, especially the Kai version, proved to be a capable dogfighter with a potent combination of firepower, agility, and rugged structure. The premier unit flying the Shiden, 343rd Kōkūtai, remained operational until overwhelming unit losses obliged the group to stand down. The 343rd was disbanded on 14 August 1945 when the Emperor ordered surrender.

It should be noted that the George also had a secret weapon or what was called the flying flap. This enabled the George in a turn to use the flaps as an aid that increased the turn of the fighter enabling the Japanase pilots a better shot where there was no shot before. You could say this aircraft very much like the ME 262 entering service to late to make a real impact on the war.

I also have the late war exterior and interior paint sets along with eduard cockpit and masking sets. Looking forward to this one

[aur0ra145]

Sounds like a cool build. Are you going to put it in the late-WWII group build?

[Hawkmoon]

Sounds like a cool build. Are you going to put it in the late-WWII group build?

I could but not sure as I have two builds already lined up for that GB but thanks for looking in and your comments.

[Hawkmoon]

The instructions start with the pilot then the cockpit im not going to use the pilot as I have the etch set for the cockpit and didnt want to lose the nifty seat belt included with the etch set.

So the assembly of the cockpit ends up as self contained slot in item.

Everything went together well but beware when trying to find sprues as Hasegowa have moulded them as Sprue 'A' and 'B' but moulded both in one sprue. Parts have little or no flash but dry fit everything just to get a great fit instead of a maybe fit. The cockpit main color is the Nakajima factory green with an umber wash to pick out some detail along with various colors to add detail.

P9038288 by andrew purchase, on Flickr
P9038290 by andrew purchase, on Flickr
P9038291 by andrew purchase, on Flickr
P9038295 by andrew purchase, on Flickr

[Parker]

great start.

[BigWall]

Very nice cockpit.

[Hawkmoon]

Thanks for looking in and your comments everyone as its my 1st aircraft kit from Hasegowa I must say she's going together well, soon have the wings on the beast

[Hawkmoon]

Wings are on and now starting to look the part. Must say this kit is a sweet build and going together well.

P9068313 by andrew purchase, on Flickr
P9068315 by andrew purchase, on Flickr
P9068316 by andrew purchase, on Flickr

[aur0ra145]

Looking really good!

[TommyKillander]

Great start!

This is one of my favorite WW2 aircrafts, I got the 1/48 version in my stash.

Good luck with the build


Tommy

[BigWall]

Nice. I can't manage more than one build at a time so I'm always impressed with how many projects you have going on.

[DRUMS01]

That is going to be a nice looking build Hawkmoon. I built the old Bandai 1/24 version of the Sinden Kai N1K2J. Back when it was released there was no after market suppliers and the cockpit, wheel bays, and other areas needed a bunch of help (scratch building). I was surprised that the kit, being now 47 years old, had recessed panel lines.

This newer kit, the after-market PE and other stuff, along with your superb building skills will sure have this one the centerpiece of your collection. I'm following this build thread for sure!

Ben

[Hawkmoon]

That is going to be a nice looking build Hawkmoon. I built the old Bandai 1/24 version of the Sinden Kai N1K2J. Back when it was released there was no after market suppliers and the cockpit, wheel bays, and other areas needed a bunch of help (scratch building). I was surprised that the kit, being now 47 years old, had recessed panel lines.

This newer kit, the after-market PE and other stuff, along with your superb building skills will sure have this one the centerpiece of your collection. I'm following this build thread for sure!

Ben

Thanks for looking in and your comments everyone.

@ Ben thank you for the kind words and support, there is a lot of talk out there about these kits being little gems to build but there are a couple of nightmares out there too in the 1/32 range. So far the build has been a breeze with minimal fit/trim/fettle issues. the panel lines and rivets are just right. Time to throw a coat of undercoat on build that nicely detailed engine.

Andy

[Hawkmoon]

The canopy was masked off and fitted to the fuselage. Then two coats of grey primer has been sprayed on

P9078326 by andrew purchase, on Flickr
P9078329 by andrew purchase, on Flickr
P9078331 by andrew purchase, on Flickr

[Hawkmoon]

The color call out for the underneath of the aircraft turns out to be natural aluminium so out came the LP semi gloss black and once dry Alclads aircraft aluminium went on.

P9098344 by andrew purchase, on Flickr
P9098347 by andrew purchase, on Flickr

[Hawkmoon]

After the aircraft aluminium comes the green top coat on the upper surface's. Whilst waiting for this to dry the engine was assembled along with the cowl and 4 blade prop


P9108363 by andrew purchase, on Flickr
P9108366 by andrew purchase, on Flickr
P9108368 by andrew purchase, on Flickr
P9108371 by andrew purchase, on Flickr
P9108372 by andrew purchase, on Flickr
P9108374 by andrew purchase, on Flickr

[digger303]

Loving the engine work

[BigWall]

It's coming along very nicely!

[TommyKillander]

Looks great!


Tommy

[BigWall]

Very nice. I really like the engine

[aur0ra145]

Looks really good!

[Hawkmoon]

Thanks for looking in and your comments every one.

The motor is just built out of the kit parts maybe some ignition wires would set it off more but it looks as good without . This is a kit that has scope for high detailing if you want to go down that path.

Had a bad day today will try to get something up tomorrow,

[BigWall]

Andy. Sorry you had a bad day.

[Hawkmoon]

Andy. Sorry you had a bad day.

Thanks for looking in and your kind words BW

[Hawkmoon]

Managed to get a little done as the Chemo plays up and down with the mojo using its famous ground hog day tacticts. Drop tank and undercarage fixed in place. I did replace the kit undercarage with metal replacements which look pretty good. The secret weapon of the George the all flying flaps that tightened the turn when dogfighting have also been fitted. More sticky out stuff to still go on at the end but more to be done as yet.

P9168385 by andrew purchase, on Flickr
P9168388 by andrew purchase, on Flickr
P9168389 by andrew purchase, on Flickr
P9168391 by andrew purchase, on Flickr
P9168394 by andrew purchase, on Flickr

[BigWall]

It's looking very nice.

Glad to hear you're getting treatment again. I just found out I get to start chemo again as well. Good luck to us both!

[Hawkmoon]

It's looking very nice.

Glad to hear you're getting treatment again. I just found out I get to start chemo again as well. Good luck to us both!

I will treble that good luck on the treatment Joe and if you need to talk just PM me on here and again thanks for looking in and your comments appreciated as always.

[Hawkmoon]

Getting closer to the finish line . The cowl has been sprayed and the engine fitted to it and when dry fixed in place on the fuselage. The decals have been added, just weathering to go to finish this baby off

P9178395 by andrew purchase, on Flickr
P9178399 by andrew purchase, on Flickr
P9178400 by andrew purchase, on Flickr
P9178402 by andrew purchase, on Flickr

[BigWall]

It's looking very nice.

Glad to hear you're getting treatment again. I just found out I get to start chemo again as well. Good luck to us both!

I will treble that good luck on the treatment Joe and if you need to talk just PM me on here and again thanks for looking in and your comments appreciated as always.

The plane is looking very sharp Andy.

Thank you and please feel free to PM me for absolutely anything as well

[aur0ra145]

It's looking very nice.

Glad to hear you're getting treatment again. I just found out I get to start chemo again as well. Good luck to us both!

It's looking very nice.

Glad to hear you're getting treatment again. I just found out I get to start chemo again as well. Good luck to us both!

I will treble that good luck on the treatment Joe and if you need to talk just PM me on here and again thanks for looking in and your comments appreciated as always.

Hope both of ya'll the best! If you need a dirty joke and a laugh just PM me.

[Parker]

Loving the aluminium finish there, Andy. And the work you’ve done on the engine looks quality. Nice work.

Side note. All the best to you on your health. Wishing you all the best.

[Hawkmoon]

Thanks for looking in and all of your comments Parker.

[Hawkmoon]

Calling this one done after some weathering. Nice kit with plenty of scope for adding more if thats your wish

[aur0ra145]

Woooo! Looking forward to the reveal thread!