Hasegawa 1:48 Scale B7A2, Ryusei, Allied Code Named 'Grace'

December 26, 2020 · in Aviation · · 9 · 2.2K

Probably the last completion for 2020... Got away from the bench for a bit during the COVID shite, but I decided to clean up what is hanging about, before starting any other kits.

This is 's 1:48 scale, Aichi B7A2, Kai, Attack Bomber, code named 'Grace'.
Overall, I found the kit a terrific build, even if I did goof up the canopy, (Still steamed about that too). The engineering is spot on and the fine detail is terrific.

One of the issues I found is that the canopy really can not be posed open. I found that to disappointing because the cockpit is really well done, and should be seen.

I see the way the parts breakdown, a bomber version is available with a complete bomb bay. Also, if you can find canopy masks, get them. Big green house on this bird and a PITA to mask without them.
Great model of one "Would have been a tough customer" had Japan had any flight decks, or enough trained pilots, left to fly them. These aircraft were well armed and fast. They would have been a handful if flown in the way they were originally intended.

I built the model OOB including the decals, paper strips for belts, and stretch sprue antenna.
Here she is, "Grace"...

Reader reactions:
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8 additional images. Click to enlarge.


9 responses

  1. Very nice Fredrick. I need one of these...for reasons. I agree about the masks, invaluable for Japanese and Luftwaffe clear parts. Doing the Academy 1:48 TBM-3 at the moment and masks were money very well spent

  2. Nice work as usual Freddie. You're right about this being a great kit. I know Falcon/Squadron used to do a vacuform canopy for this (because I used it on the one I did back 23 years ago when the kit first came out). I know Squadron doesn't carry most of these anymore (or much of anything else) but you can find pretty much any Squadron canopy on eBay. There isn't a canopy for this, but there is for the B6N2 Tenzan, and it looks like you could use the sliding portion from that. Go to Decal Supply Corps on eBay, they have every vacuform canopy.

    If you're interested in further things you can do, Ian Robertson's old article at HS is a gold mine:
    http://www.hyperscale.com/features/2000/graceir_1.htm

  3. Nice work on what appears to be a great kit. I like anything with gull wings.

  4. Nice job, good to have you back. The Grace is a beast; standing next to it shows how massive it really is. Supposedly it was maneuverable too.

    There's a new outfit called Dead Design. If it's japanese, they have masks, vacuform canopies, or a set of both for it. They list the B7A stuff as TBA, if you want to replace yours.

  5. Beautiful build, Frederick.
    You really got your mojo back.

  6. Great build of a very nice looking airframe.

  7. Great build of a beautiful plane, Frederick.
    A nice way to finish a year.

  8. Nice looking Grace Frederick, a well done execution from the FJS Factory of modeling. As noted I have wondered why Hasegawa has such nice cockpits in some of their kits, but only have a closed option for the canopy. Mystery of the sea i guess.

  9. Another nice one! She's a big monster, she is.

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