1/48 Hasegawa Mitsubishi 

J2M3 Raiden

by Bill Lachance

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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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Photos and text © by Bill Lachance