Empire of Japan Group Build – Mitsubishi J2M3 Raiden, Tamiya 1/48
This started out as a Shelf of Doom build for my local model club as a way of jump starting some projects that had languished for too long. My original SOD is still in the box. This model was started by a unnamed modeler who was getting out of the hobby and gave it to a fellow cub member. He didn't have time to get to it, so offered up the model at a club meeting. No one else wanted it, so, being a s****r for misfit models, I picked it up, took it home and promptly forgot about it. A month ago, I got an email reminding me of the SOD build, so having just finished the B-52, I pulled this one out and dove in. It was a partially built Tamiya kit, so what could go wrong? Apparently, more than I thought! Tribulations are in the build log...
https://imodeler.com/groups/the-empire-of-japan-1919-1946/forum/topic/mitsubishi-j2m-3-raiden-tamiya-1-48/
The initial build was pretty good, with some included Eduard goodies that had to be installed. I had to rescribe most of the model, as many of the panel lines had been wiped out. It's the first time I've done an entire airplane and I will admit it's still not my favorite thing to do! The elevators had been cut from the stabs, so I attached them slightly drooped to match the stick in the cockpit. Paint is my usual Model Master enamels, which sadly, I am running out of. Decals are from the Aeromaster Empire Defenders sheet, and went on quite well with some mild setting solution. Weathering was accomplished with washes and silver paint chipping. The model represents a J2M3 of the 352nd Kokutai in Japan in 1945.
Despite the glitches, I really enjoyed this kit. It's something that had not been on my radar, but makes a nice addition to my little air force. And as always, I'm looking forward to whatever misfit model comes my way next!
A wonderful result, Jaime! Your excellent skills overcame all challenges and transformed this from a Shelf of Doom inhabitant to a superlative looking Raiden!
Thank you so much for enriching our Empire of Japan GB with yet another gem!
Well done!
Wonderful results indeed, Jaime @jetmex
Although not an easy build, you turned this kit into a very realistic looking Raiden.
It was a pleasure to follow this thread.
Well done.
This is a great looking Raiden. Regardless of the challenges you had with the kit, you persevered and delivered a WINNER. Well done!
You certainly made a winner out of this SOD resident, Jaime.
Turned out great, Jaime!
Fine job on this classic kit from Tamiya.
Yep - looks very nice! Well done!
Well done. Just finished one myself
Saved! Looks great!
Jaime @jetmex
It's great to see you finished up another one for our ever present Empire of Japan Group. You did a magnificent job with saving this one. I would gladly place it in my display case next to my Japanese builds. Two thumbs up buddy, you did good !
I definitely pressed the "like" button.