Hasegawa 1/72 Nakajima G8N1 with I GOH & Shinden Intercepter Fighter

[Scot2go]

I introduce to you my recent addition to my growing collection, namely one Hasegawa 1/72 Nakajima G8N1 with guided bomb and 1/72 Kyushu J7W2 Shinden Kai interceptor fighter.



Background.

In February 1943 the Imperial Navy staff asked Nakajima Aircraft Company to design a four-engined bomber, capable of meeting an earlier specification set for a long-range land-based attack plane.

The final specification, issued on 14 September 1943, called for a plane with a maximum speed of 320 knots (590 km/h; 370 mph) able to carry a 4,000 kg (8,800 lb) bomb-load 2,000 nmi (3,700 km; 2,300 mi) or a reduced bomb-load 4,000 nmi (7,400 km; 4,600 mi).

The initial prototype was completed in October 1944 and delivered to the Navy for testing in January 1945, a year after the Navy ordered development to start.
Three further examples were completed by June 1945, with the third prototype being destroyed on the ground by US carrier aircraft.

Other than minor problems with the turbosuperchargers, the Renzan performed satisfactorily and the Navy hoped to have a total of 16 prototypes and 48 production-version G8N1s assembled by September 1945.

But the worsening war situation and a critical shortage of light aluminium alloys led to the project's cancellation in June.

One proposed variant was the G8N2 Renzan-Kai Model 22, powered by four 2,200 hp Mitsubishi MK9A radial engines and modified to accept attachment of the air-launched Ohka Type 33 Special Attack Bomber.

Just prior to Japan's surrender in August 1945 consideration was also briefly given to producing an all-steel version of the aircraft, to be designated G8N3 Renzan-Kai Model 23, but the cessation of hostilities precluded any further development.

After the war, one prototype was taken to the United States and scrapped after testing. None are in existence today.

The Shinden was expected to be a highly maneuverable interceptor, but only two prototypes were finished before the end of war. A gas turbine powered version was considered, but never even reached the drawing board.

The two prototypes were the only Shinden completed. After the end of the war, one prototype was scrapped; the other J7W2 was claimed by a US Navy in late 1945, dismantled and shipped to the United States. Some sources claim that the USN took the first built while others state that it was the second.)

.... and as for the kit.

As too the model which was issued in 2011 from Hasegawa in 1/72 scale. It also includes a I GOH guided bomb and a 'Shinden' interceptor jet fighter.

Both versions have decals for Japanese or Luftwaffe service although I imagine these designations fall into the 'What If, Could Off or Might have been?' scenario.

I don't know how Hasegawa arrived at these schemes or the Luftwaffe version decals but it looks a winner.

I have a curiosity for these slightly off centre creations and now I have a 4 engined bomber with a prototype fighter interceptor with Far East DNA both screaming out to me to be dressed in Luftwaffe colours.

How it looks in the box.

The front off the box with 2 sets of instructions for both kits and 1 set of decals that look nice and clean.



1. Sprue with main bomber fuselage.



2. Main wing assembly with raised rivet details on surface.



3. Engine bits, gun turret and other bits.



4. Guided bomb and glass transparencies.



5. Shinden intercepter sprues.



6. Instructions and decal sheet.



7. Box art and edge.



Some parts have some flash with no apparent big assembly issues that will be stressful or complex and should produce a nice outcome.

I just need to decide how both kits should be finished up. Regardless it will be an imagination trip and some artistic license will under go.

I will definitely look for some additional detail to add and probably look to beef up the cockpit as I think that'll be quite open on the G8N1.

Thanks for looking in and once I get some progress I'll start a Work In Progress report, tarra the noo!