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Dmitry Stropalov
94 articles

J2M3 Raiden (Zoukei-Mura 1/32)

July 17, 2024 · in Aviation · · 17 · 302

Raiden is my favorite Japanese aircraft from the WWII era. I made it in 1/72 scale, so now it's time for a king size J2M3.

I picked up a kit from 's for it. Mainly because I wanted to try something from this manufacturer. I had heard that they have a slightly different approach, and now I see it. SWS kits are really different. If you like cutouts, open panels showing the frame, engine, etc - go for it. The kit even has engine pistons molded in. Also, this kit doesn't require any aftermarket parts for the cockpit, has masks included (and even canopy frame and clear parts separately as an alternative option), and a good instruction sheet. The only aftermarket parts I used were the gun barrels. Hovewer, I would prefer a better exterior with additional details instead. The kit looks a bit simplistic here. This is where you as a modeler have to make a choice between SWS or another manufacturer.

Anyway, it was a good experience and I've tried some new techniques like chipping with a liquid mask.

Reader reactions:
16  Awesome 2  1 

12 additional images. Click to enlarge.


17 responses

  1. Profile Photo
    said on July 17, 2024

    The interior work you’ve done here is amazing! I like how the chipping turned out also. I built the Zoukei-Mura J7W1 and also felt that it was specialized to show off all of the interior. You did a great job of pulling it all together.

  2. It turned out really nice.

  3. Excellent job, Dmitry!

  4. Very nice result, Dmitry @starfar
    The chipping looks really good.

  5. Great job, Dmitry.

  6. Very sharp Raiden. Chipping came out perfectly.

  7. I too am a big fan of the Raiden, and this one looks fantastic!

  8. Excellent build, Dmitry. That's a sharp looking Raiden.

  9. Gorgeous. It's my fav as well, and you cruched it. Beautiful job!

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