The brawler – Tamiya Mitsubishi J2M3 Interceptor Raiden 1/48 scale
Mitsubishi J2M has always seemed to me like a brawler, a boxer determined to throw punches no matter what. Short, stubby, lacking in agility - but packing a lot of heat. The old Tamiya kit delivered a simple base for approaching this subject, nothing fancy but really enjoyable. I used the standard Tamiya paints, decals from the box and a little bit of weathering with oils to make it look dusty.
5 additional images. Click to enlarge.
George Schembri said on April 12, 2022
Incredible looking Jack, different George.
Nice work, that Tamiya kit may be old but still seems like a great kit.
Bob Dudolevitch said on April 12, 2022
Your "Jack" is a great rendition of a classic model kit. Superb job, and thanks for posting it.
gary sausmikat said on April 12, 2022
Well done! Nice pics as well.
John vd Biggelaar said on April 12, 2022
Excellent work on this Raiden, George @georgedamian
Greg Kittinger said on April 12, 2022
Looks great! I think the Raiden may be my favorite Japanese interceptor - a real "brute" look to it.
George Henderson said on April 12, 2022
Very nice, Another George. I need one...for reasons
Spiros Pendedekas said on April 12, 2022
Excellent Raiden, George!
Looking absolutely superb!
Tom Cleaver said on April 12, 2022
Very nice result on this old warhorse.
Given that kits of this vintage have "less than stellar" fit (although some modern kits also come in this category), an old trick I learned back in the day to get canopies to look like they fit better than they did is to run a line of white glue around the base once it is glued in position. This fills up any gap, and the white glue dries clear so you don't see it. I pass this along to you for the next time.
George Damian said on April 13, 2022
Thanks for the advice, indeed the fit was not that great, next time I'll try it.
Christopher C Tew said on April 12, 2022
Stellar work, George! I have this kit in my build before I die stack with the Hasegawa and Arii versions, and you have done it proud. I'll add to Tom's comment above that the newer canopy glues (I use ZAP Canopy Glue Formula 560) are good solutions - the canopy will never come loose and the glue will fill and dry clear. These newer glues also good for smaller bits of PE and resin if the joining surfaces are gently roughened.
George Damian said on April 13, 2022
I use Ammo ultra glue, I dilute it with water until it is a dense liquid not a paste, and then I use a small paint brush to spread it on the edges of the canopy, it creates a strong bond.
George Damian said on April 13, 2022
George, Bob, Gary, John, Greg, George, Spiros, Tom, Cristopher - thank you guys, glad you enjoyed it!
Richard Bungay said on April 13, 2022
nice job!