A Captured Lightning Bolt, Hasegawa J2M3 ‘Jack’ 1/72
This wasn't on my radar, but when I found Rising Decals MM72-0101 Dying Suns Pt.2 decal sheet in the decal bin at my LHS, I knew I had this Hasegawa ‘B2' kit and thought I'd give it a go. I have seen Aircraft BI-01 in many photos and posts and I wanted one for my display cabinet. The decals are for a m.21 – double wing cannons Type 99 Mk.I's and Mk.II's – no fuselage guns – and jutting out front oil cooler. Later releases actual label this Hasegawa kit also as a m.21 variant. The only thing really missing on the kit was a hole for the Type 99 Mk.I's, and I also added some seatbelts and decal side panels in the cockpit – and it's a HUGE cockpit. There is no detail in the wheel wells and there's just that little bit of flash on most of the parts.
I tried to add some contrast to the mono paint by pre-shading the lines with Flat Black. When I look at the model, I can see the pre-shading but it's not too obvious in the photos even after I fooled around with the contrast settings. Even the dark tinting used to paint where the Japanese insignia are supposed to be did not show well in the photos. I also tried some additional black panel line accenting.
Respectable little kit considering that Scalemates shows the original molding is from 1977.
Looks great! I've built this kit and really enjoyed it - nice recessed panel lines for such an old kit. I agree that the Raiden's cockpit was rooomy!
Thanks Greg (@gkittinger), apart from the misaligned panel lines at the wings leading edge, there's not much wrong with this beauty of a kit.
Absolutely a nice build, George @georgeswork
A great addition to your impressive collection.
Thanks John (@johnb), I might need to start another shelf for my 1/72 Japanese builds.
Beautiful job!
Thanks Butch (@butchbryan), it was a fun and quick mini-project.
Nice work, George!
Thank you John (@j-healy).
Excellent job on this old but nice kit, George! Love the scheme!
Thanks Spiros (@fiveten)
I don’t know which Hasegawa 1/72 WWII kit to choose next. 🤔
Cool Jack in a unique scheme!
Thanks Dan (@dbdlee)
I’m thinking a Captured Zero next since the R/D sheet has the required decals.
Looks cool in this livery, good work with the markings, George.
Thank you George (@chinesegeorge), glad I found the decals.
I was going it title it ‘Jack of All Trades’
Well done George.
Thank you Tom (@tom-bebout)
Nice work George - great to see this scheme.
Thank you David Mills (@davem), I was sold when I came across the decals.
(Correction made to text)