Tamiya 1/48 Raiden J2M3

[TonyCnyc]

While waiting for parts to arrive on another build, decided to squeeze in another entry for the Rising Sun GB.

This is the Tamiya 1/48 Mitsubishi J2M3 Interceptor Raiden "Jack"; kit number 61018, originally released in 1973.

Before looking what's in the box, the requisite history.

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Mitsubishi J2M Raiden

The Mitsubishi J2M Raiden (雷電, "Thunderbolt") was a single-engined land-based fighter aircraft used by the Imperial Japanese Navy Air Service in World War II. The Allied reporting name was "Jack".

The J2M was designed by Jiro Horikoshi, creator of the A6M Zero, to meet the 14-Shi (14th year of the Showa reign, or 1939) official specification. It was to be a strictly local-defense interceptor, intended to counter the threat of high-altitude bomber raids, and thus relied on speed, climb performance, and armament at the expense of maneuverability.

The Raiden made its combat debut in June 1944 during the Battle of the Philippine Sea. Several J2Ms operated from Guam and Saipan and a small number of aircraft were deployed to the Philippines.

Primarily designed to defend against the Boeing B-29 Superfortress, the lack of a turbocharger handicapped the aircraft at high altitude. However, its four-cannon armament supplied effective firepower and the use of dive and zoom tactics allowed it to score occasionally. Insufficient numbers and the American switch to night bombing in March 1945 limited its effectiveness.


Specifications
General characteristics
Crew: one, pilot
Length: 9.70 m (32 ft 8 in)
Wingspan: 10.80 m (35 ft 5 in)
Height: 3.81 m (13 ft 0 in)
Wing area: 20 m² (216 ft²)
Empty weight: 2,839 kg (6,259 lb)
Loaded weight: 3,211 kg (7,080 lb)
Powerplant: 1 × Mitsubishi MK4R-A Kasei 23a 14-cylinder two-row radial engine, 1,379 kW (1,850 hp)
Performance
Maximum speed: 655 km/h (355kn or 407 mph)
Range: 560 km (302 nmi, 348 mi)
Service ceiling: 11,430 m (37,500 ft)
Rate of climb: 1 402 m/min (4,600 ft/min)
Wing loading: 174 kg/m² (35 lb/ft²)
Power/mass: 0.232 kW/kg (0.26 hp/lb)
Armament
Guns: 4 × 20 mm Type 99-2 cannons in the wings, two in each wing, inboard guns having 190 rpg, outboard guns 210 rpg.
Ordnance: 2 × 60 kg (132 lb) bombs or 2 × 200 L (53 US gal) drop tanks.

Ok, let's see what's in the box, and how this 42 year old mould has held up.







Two sets of instructions, one in English, one in Japanese. Also a very nice full color print.














If you look carefully at the standing pilot, you'll see his has his pistol tucked in front.
















I've heard both good and bad about these FastFrames. Let's see how they work for me on this build.

[UKguyInUSA]

I've had my eye on this kit, as I need to build some Japanese aircraft- none in my collection so far! It looks like a very simple kit from Tamiya, not many parts to throw together, so it should be a very quick build. A good fill-in kit between larger builds. Enjoy building her mate

[rodrant]

Seems a nice and easy kit to build ! Looking forward to see it done ! Like some of the details on it , the standing figure is nice !

Good luck with this build mate !

[TonyCnyc]

I've had my eye on this kit, as I need to build some Japanese aircraft- none in my collection so far! It looks like a very simple kit from Tamiya, not many parts to throw together, so it should be a very quick build. A good fill-in kit between larger builds. Enjoy building her mate

So far, a pretty easy kit with decent fit; just a bit of filler/sanding in the usual place like the fuselage joint. Thanks!

[TonyCnyc]

Seems a nice and easy kit to build ! Looking forward to see it done ! Like some of the details on it , the standing figure is nice !

Good luck with this build mate !

Thank you!

[TonyCnyc]

Seems a nice and easy kit to build ! Looking forward to see it done ! Like some of the details on it , the standing figure is nice !

Good luck with this build mate !

Thank you!

[TonyCnyc]

Here's my first update on first day of build.

Cockpit painted, weathered, and in place. Cowling and propeller shaft assembled. Wheel wells painted and weathered.


Close up of the cockpit and instrument panel decal. Looks too flat for me. Could use aftermarket or scratch built panel.


Clamping and gluing the wings. Just a little putty top of the front.


Test fitting the canopy and using a rubber band to hold the wing in place while the glue sets.


Used the wheels up landing gear cover pieces as masks for the wheel wells. Putty filler needed at the wing joint.


Masked off the cockpit; ready for primer!

[UKguyInUSA]

Looking great so far, mate!

[TonyCnyc]

After less than pleasant commutes from work two days in row, needed to decompress with paint.

First, apply Black Vallejo Primer.


Then a light coat of Tamiya Aluminum in prep for some chipping later. This time I painted the yellow ID stripes first instead of after the main body colors. Used a custom mix of Tamiya Yellow and Red to taste.


Bottom after masking the yellow area and applying a custom mix of light grey. Applied a bit of lighter grey on some panels for a slightly faded look.


Masked the bottom; ready for top IJN green by Tamiya.


I used Tamiya tape for a clean edge, and regular low tack masking tape for the rest.


After applying the top color, masked for the black anti-glare stripe. For the stripe used Vallejo black with a bit of blue.


Masking tape removed and a coat of clear before moving on to the next steps. Used a lighter shade of the green on some panels for a faded look and break up the monotone green.



Next: work on the propeller, undercarriage, and canopy.

Thanks for looking!

[Homerlovesbeer]

This build is flying together nicely. Some good tips too!

Thanks!

[shortCummins]

looking good

[UKguyInUSA]

That cam together quick and looks sweet so far!

[TonyCnyc]

A quick update.

Assembled the main landing gear and propeller, and applied the decals using Mr. Mark Softner. I usually start the decals on the bottom of my aircraft as a way to test the application. If I mess up or the decals are rubbish, at least it will be somewhat hidden underneath.
The True Details canopy frames were a bust. Back to the ye olde tape and masking way.


Started some chipping and weather on top. Left the pilot on the sprue to make it easier to handle. I'll touch up the attachment point later.


Thanks for looking and the comments!

[TonyCnyc]

Final reveal:
http://www.intscalemodeller.com/viewtop ... 31&t=11690

Thanks!

[shortCummins]

those decals have gone down really well, they don't appear to be a think as 'normal' Tamiya ones