Hasegawa’s new 1/32 N1K2-J Shiden-Kai
There’s a more complete review today at Modeling Madness, but here are all the photos I took , which won’t be all published there. But do check out the review:
http://modelingmadness.com/review/axis/cleaver/j/tmcn1k2.htm
Basically, this is the really nice 1/48 kit from 13 years ago, scaled up to 1/32 with lots more detail in the cockpit and a nice engine (that you can’t see much of when the cowling goes on). I spent more time painting the model than assembling it. It’s definitely one of Hasegawa’s best, and if you like Japanese aircraft, the kit is worth the price (around $40 in Yen at HLJ, MSRP something around $55).
As is usual with most kits with dropped flaps, the model works best if you do that. I raised the flaps, and they don’t really fit. If I did it again, I would cut out the area of the lower wing that is the interior of the flap area, then install the flaps, as it would then fit. As is usually the case, the flaps-raised position is technically the more accurate.
The Shiden-Kai is my favorite Japanese fighter, so I am really happy Hasegawa brought out this excellent kit.
Remember, you can paint this any color you want, so long as it is Kawanishi Green (and Hasegawa gives excellent mixing instructions to get the color).
16 additional images. Click to enlarge.
Simon Whitney said on November 21, 2013
As usual Tom, you make these builds look so effortless, but I know there is a great deal of skill and knowledge behind them. Any colour as long as it`s Kawanishi Green, sounds like Henry Ford there.
Nice build Tom.
James Kelley said on November 21, 2013
Very nice, Tom.
Sounds like a great kit. If it’s anything like their 1/32 Raiden, I’m in.
Tom Cleaver said on November 21, 2013
To my mind, it’s better.
Joe Caputo said on November 21, 2013
Beautiful job, Tom. Would it be as simple as you make it sound…..
Bernard Wylie said on November 22, 2013
Lovely job, makes me want to go out and buy one!
Erich Goldbach said on November 22, 2013
Tom, Great looking model. For me, the Shiden- Kai and the Frank are my favorite Japanese AC. BTW! Do you know what was the purpose of the clear part on the upper fuselage behind the canopy?
Mike Maynard said on November 22, 2013
Very nice build, not over weathered, cockpit detail a big plus.
bob mack said on November 22, 2013
looks great and i want one
Frank Cronin said on November 24, 2013
Tom,
Very nice. Great job on this. But, being a Frank, and Frankly speaking, I have to like the Frank better.