Hasegowa 1/32 Shindenkai George
Posted: Sun Aug 30, 2020 11:16 pm
This will be the next build but 1st some info care of wikiThe 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
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 
