Fujimi Aichi B7A Ryusei 流星 “Grace”
The Aichi Ryusei (Allied reporting name “Grace”) was a Japanese carrier-based attack aircraft which was intended to serve as a torpedo-, dive-, and level-bomber aboard the Taiho and Shinano. Both ships were sunk before the Ryusei could be embarked, and the limited numbers produced operated from shore bases. The gull wings gave it a distinct appearance, and performance was exceptional for an attack aircraft of the period.
This is Fujimi's kit from the mid 1980s. It is a decent kit for its time but could use a little extra work. I rebuilt the cockpit using Evergreen, replaced the engine with resin from Engines & Things, and deepened the wheelwells. The model depicts an aircraft of the Yokosuka Naval Air Group to match a photograph, the dual horizontal tail stripes indicate a flight leader.
Build posts and research here: https://inchhighguy.wordpress.com/tag/b7a-ryusei-grace/
terrific
Looks good! I like the shape of this aircraft, and your model does it justice!
Great result, Jeff! Love your scratchbuilds, detailing of that engine and painting. What a graceful looking (aka "Grace"!) plane.
All the best!
Well done Jeff, she in some ways resembles the Navy's Helldiver. I like it.
Very nice - love the extra details! Always helps to fill in those big greenhouse cockpits.
Nice work. You turned a very average kit into a great model.
Impressive build, looks great! How'd you like working with the orange sherbet color? My Spruce was that color.
Thanks guys! One thing about the bright orange plastic, I didn't lose any of the pieces!