Mitsubishi J2M3 Raiden (Jack) “Prisoner of War”

Published: January 3, 2014
Company: Hasegawa

History

The J2M Raiden (Thunderbolt), codenamed “Jack” by the allies, was designed by Jiro Horikoshi, creator of the vaunted Zero fighter the A6M. Envisioned from the outset as an interceptor, this aircraft was used against the American B-29 Superfortresses that attacked the Japanese mainland in 1944 and 1945. It was armed with four cannon and had a top speed of over 400 miles per hour. It did see some success, but that was tempered by the decision in March of 1945 to move the B-29 raids to night time hours.

After the war, captured examples were tested by the ALLIED TECHNICAL AIR INTELLIGENCE UNIT which under the British examined two examples in December of 1945, while the United States examined a captured “Jack” in US markings and a natural metal finish. All of these… more

Supermarine Spiteful Exhaust

Published: January 3, 2014
Company: Quickboost

Shameful plug. I love the Quickboost line of products. If I find myself with extra PayPal funds, I will skip through my favorite online retailer’s offering of Quickboost resin goodies and fill my cart with exhausts, engines, cowlings and antennae!

While the set may be designed for Hobbyboss Spiteful, it also will work perfectly in building the Trumpeter Seafang where it became apparent that an exhaust set could greatly benefit this kit. Quickboost to the rescue! The resin replacement is a drop fit for the kit, with a narrow casting block easily removed. Each exhaust stack is molded open, giving the modeler ample chance to enhance the look of it by dry brushing and washes. These detailed exhaust stacks really pop on the finished model.

A very economical and worthwhile… more