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Jeff Groves
36 articles

Fujimi Aichi B7A Ryusei 流星 “Grace”

May 21, 2020 · in Aviation · · 8 · 4.7K

The Aichi Ryusei (Allied reporting name “”) 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 '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/

Reader reactions:
9  Awesome

15 additional images. Click to enlarge.


8 responses

  1. Looks good! I like the shape of this aircraft, and your model does it justice!

  2. Great result, Jeff! Love your scratchbuilds, detailing of that engine and painting. What a graceful looking (aka "Grace"!) plane.
    All the best!

  3. Well done Jeff, she in some ways resembles the Navy's Helldiver. I like it.

  4. Very nice - love the extra details! Always helps to fill in those big greenhouse cockpits.

  5. Nice work. You turned a very average kit into a great model.

  6. Impressive build, looks great! How'd you like working with the orange sherbet color? My Spruce was that color.

  7. Thanks guys! One thing about the bright orange plastic, I didn't lose any of the pieces!

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