I built this
Mitsubishi J2M3 Raiden (codenamed "Jack") using the 1/48 Hasegawa kit
and Eduard photoetched detail set. I added hydraulic lines to the landing gear
doors, wiring to the cockpit, and a bungee cord for the seat using copper wire,
tube, and solder. I made three knobs for the instrument panel from styrene rod,
and two cranks from solder. A light was added to the cockpit's left sidewall,
forward of the throttle, using plastic scrap and fine wire. The kit
windscreen and rear windows were used, but I substituted a Squadron vac canopy
for the sliding section. The gunsight was further detailed with a clear sheet
sighting glass, and an arm and bead sight from flattened solder and fine wire.
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The detail in the
kit is molded well, and it fits like a typical Hasegawa kit. The cockpit and
canopy are large, and the temptation to add detail is strong. Eduard gives lots
of items for the "office," and I have included a pic showing what was
added before it was painted.
I painted the cockpit with
Humbrol Bronze Green, which is a close match for Mitsubishi Cockpit Color.
Purists may want to add a touch of tan to this color. The airframe was painted
with the out-of-production AeroMaster Warbird Acrylic colors of Mitsubishi Navy
Green and Mitsubishi Navy Gray. Cowl Blue Black was used on the anti-glare
panel, and the propeller is Primer Red Brown. The wing ID stripes are Color of
Eagles RLM 04. The exhaust stubs were brush painted with Model Master
non-buffing Burnt Iron. I used decals from the AeroMaster sheet "Empire
Defenders, Part 3."
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This was a
thoroughly enjoyable build. My only complaint is the size of the panel lines on
the wing tops. They are much wider and deeper than Hasegawa's typical fine
lines.
Bill
Visit my website to see other
models of mine, I also build models on commission. http://www.pix.prettyneatinc.com/
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