Hasegawa 1/48 Aichi B7A2 Torpedo/ Dive Bomber Ryusei Kai (Grace)
the Aichi B7A2 Bomber Ryusei Kai {shooting star} allied code name Grace was the new super torpedo and dive bomber plane for the Japanese Navy of great strength and speed in 1944 as a replacement for the B6 Tenzan Jill torpedo plane and the D4y Judy dive bomber…too little too late to the party she was meant to accommodate the two new super carriers needed for them as they had far more powerful arresting gear and larger sturdier elevators needed for combat operations…but the carrier Taiho was sunk at the battle of Philippine Sea before it had any chance to prove their worth and the Shinano was torpedoed by an American submarine ten days after it was commissioned…a few made it to land bases like Iwo Jima and i’m sure it made quite a marvelous Kamikaze
Morne Meyer said on October 2, 2019
You did an amazing job on this Japanese beauty. The bent wing make it look extra menacing. Well done!!
bob mack said on October 2, 2019
thank you very much Morne…always splendid to hear from you
Jeff Bailey said on October 2, 2019
Bob, beautiful work as always. I’m a fan of the Japanese planes; this Grace is excellent. A lot of folks think that the Zero, Val, and Betty are the only planes they used during WW Twice. (WWII)
Well done, Sir! @p38j
bob mack said on October 2, 2019
thank you jeff…i agree the Japanese line was sooo extensive and interesting
Greg Kittinger said on October 2, 2019
a real beauty Bob! I did the Grace in training colors, but now think I want one looking more “business-like!”
bob mack said on October 2, 2019
thank you greg…i’m with you and i’m thinking a folded wing would be a nice addition also
dale travis said on October 2, 2019
Very sharp looking Grace!
bob mack said on October 2, 2019
i appreciate that very much dale
Tom Cleaver said on October 2, 2019
Very nice work, Bob. Built one of these when it first came out, it’s a great kit and you have taken full advantage of what was there in the box.
bob mack said on October 2, 2019
thank you tom…it truly is a superb fitting kit…that big long cockpit nestles right in and the fuselage just slams shut not to mention those lovely positive landing gear…a true gem of a kit
George Henderson said on October 2, 2019
What a great looking aircraft. I’ve never seen one built before. Well done
bob mack said on October 2, 2019
thank you very much george…it was a sheer pleasure
Haslam Yeoman said on October 2, 2019
Really well done. The bent wing gives this large plane a very purposeful stance. The slightly weathered finish is quite effective on this late war airframe.
bob mack said on October 2, 2019
thank you very much Haslam…i also find the inverted gull wing very intriguing and beautiful
Craig Abrahamson said on October 2, 2019
This is new to me, Mr. Mack….don’t believe I’ve seen a “Grace” before – very nice job!
bob mack said on October 2, 2019
thank you sir…you don’t see many built in America that’s for sure
Robert Royes said on October 2, 2019
Beautiful work, looks awesome!
bob mack said on October 2, 2019
i appreciate that very much bob
DE4EVER said on October 3, 2019
🙂 … Greetings … 🙂 :
This is truly a great scale representation of the Aichi, Bob … nice work.
bob mack said on October 3, 2019
thank you Erick…wonderful to hear from you
Louis Gardner said on October 3, 2019
What a fantastic build !!! You got my gears turning with this one …………….. Well done my friend. What colors did you use on the torpedo ???
“liked”
bob mack said on October 4, 2019
thank you very much louis…i mixed red and orange on the tip and black on the back…i saw it on one of hasegawa’s factory builds
James B Robinson said on October 3, 2019
Nice looking build Bob. Like Louis, this has peaked my interest. I kind of have a thing for Dive Bombers. Great Job!
bob mack said on October 4, 2019
thankyou jim…i love dive and torpedo bombers too
Simon Whitney said on October 5, 2019
Lovely work done there Bob, on a plane that I have not seen before.
Simon.
bob mack said on October 6, 2019
thank you si…i was thinking about you last night…you must have known something