61018 - Mitsubishi J2M3 Raiden

[Enzo the Magnificent]

Third build for this GB...    I should really build something Japanese.

 

 

This kit was first released in 1973 so it qualifies for a "classic" tag.  It's over half a century old!   The cockpit is somewhat simplified from what one would expect today and the main gear bays are moulded as part of the wing.  The canopy is a single piece.   However, it's still a very nice kit indeed!    

 

 

 

 

 

[Col.]

While the kit may be simple in comparison to some current examples it's still effective, something Tamiya did well at this point in its history, and the inclusion of a decent pilot figure will help to keep the cockpit looking busy if you include him.

[Enzo the Magnificent]

14 minutes ago, Col. said:

While the kit may be simple in comparison to some current examples it's still effective, something Tamiya did well at this point in its history, and the inclusion of a decent pilot figure will help to keep the cockpit looking busy if you include him.

 

I rarely have pilot figures in the cockpit.  However, I'm thinking that a nice Eduard seat harness will spice things up nicely.  

[2996 Victor]

The Raiden is one of my all-time favourite aeroplanes, so I'm looking forward to watching your build, Enzo. 

 

Cheers,

Mark 

[Col.]

12 minutes ago, Enzo the Magnificent said:

I rarely have pilot figures in the cockpit.  However, I'm thinking that a nice Eduard seat harness will spice things up nicely.  

Under a closed canopy that's probably enough to do the job grand.

[Enzo the Magnificent]

5 minutes ago, Col. said:

Under a closed canopy that's probably enough to do the job grand.

 

Yabbut....   I'm looking into opening the canopy.     Don't like making things easy for myself.   

 

There is an aftermarket resin set for the Hasegawa kit, but to use that in a Tamiya GB seems a bit like sacrilege! 

[Enzo the Magnificent]

Cockpit components built up and sprayed with Tamiya XF-71.  I have added an Eduard seat harness.

 

 

 

Fuselage ready for assembly.

 

 

Moving on...

 

 

Yet another Tamiya kit which builds up quickly.  

 

[modelling minion]

Thats very nice work, shows how good Tamiya kits have always been.

[Col.]

Coming together quickly indeed

[Enzo the Magnificent]

I have sawn off the windscreen and fitted it.  I didn't do the same with the rear part of the canopy as the internal structure that is fitted at the same time also carries the radio antenna.  I'm pretty sure that I would end up knocking that off...     

 

 

Primed using my usual technique of a coat of clear lacquer from a rattle can followed by a coat of grey plastic primer, also from a rattle can.

 

 

The wing leading edges were sprayed yellow from a rattle can.  This is Fiat Broom Yellow.  The anti-glare panel was sprayed with Tamiya XF-69 NATO Black.   Both were then masked, acknowledging the sheer insanity of masking a yellow area with yellow tape...     

 

 

The reason that I seem to be applying the colour scheme back to front is that I want to do a certain amount of paint chipping on the green.  I'll do that last as it always seems to make the paint finish quite fragile.

[Col.]

Cool. I always enjoy seeing authentically distressed paintwork on a model

[Enzo the Magnificent]

Undersides sprayed with Lifecolor UA-635.   

 

[Col.]

What's this? Enzo giving us regular progress updates!?! Marvellous

[Enzo the Magnificent]

I masked off the undersurfaces and then sprayed the uppersurfaces with aluminium from a rattle can.  Then I intended to start with the chipping.  I got my jar of Mig Heavy Chipping Effects and opened it to find it was empty!  😮  Totally empty!  The inside was dry...   It seems that the fluid is so volatile it can evaporate through the threads of the cap...

 

"So, how about using the hairspray technique instead?" I hear you ask.  Really?  I have not had need of any hairspray in the house for a good number of years now...     So it was back to the old fashioned way.  I sprayed the uppersurfaces with Lifecolor UA-078 and gave everything a coast of clear lacquer.  The chipping is from drybrushing an aluminium paint over the required areas, followed by aluminium weathering powder.   It still needs work as to my eye it looks like drybrushing rather than actual chipping, but at least the process is started.

 

 

[Col.]

This serves to deepen my distrust of Mig products