1/48 Tamiya Models Mitsubishi J2M3 Raiden (Jack)

[keavdog]

Doing this one for a Japanese group build. I've always loved the look of this airplane - just looks like a hotrod and apparently it was. This kit is a classic old Tamiya with some nice detail but really not a lot in the box which is perfect. Looking for a quick build and a platform to experiment with Mission Models paint and the hairspray chipping technique. Well, I can tell you I didn't have much luck with the Mission Models paint - pretty frustrating and their own website calls out two or 3 different thinner/poly ratios. Enough - ordered all the Japanese colors from Mr Color with which I'm very familiar and happy with.
So here is the massive part count

I'm doing this as Sadaaki Akimatsu's plane. He was an ace and know to fly missions drunk - accumulating 27 kills. I'll have what he's having please. I also have markings for is mount in the A6M5 Zero (Tamiya) so cheers wild man, you will be well represented on my shelves.
I started by painting my drinking buddy. Needs a coat of clear flat, but given the closed canopy, it's nice to have a figure

Did some basic cockpit painting/drybrushing. The IP is a flat plastic with a decal. Sadaaki is in the pit after his flat coat.



More to come soon.

[Stuart]

Now that's nice, and man what a great character!

I've always fancied building this kit, I do like these old Tamiya mouldings.

[LyleW]

Great subjects.

[Stikpusher]

Man that looks great in there! And all OOB so far! Very impressive work!

[jeaton01]

Looks good, John. Nice to have the history with it.

[keavdog]

Bit more progress. A few seams to deal with but not bad for an old kit.

[Floki]

Great looking cockpit and painting.

[tempestjohnny]

Looks great. I've heard the Jack was kind of a dragster. Great straight line performance but couldn't turn worth a damn

[Medicman71]

Wow! That was a quick build. Looks great.

[BlackSheep214]

Not familiar with the Raiden but it's looking good!