Zoukei Mura J2M2 Rai Den, 1/32 scale.

[BarryW]

The Raiden was a late war high altitude point defence interceptor, code named ‘Jack’. It was used to combat the B29s and was the fastest aircraft the Japanese Navy had.

The box


My workbench all cleaned up and ready with the kit sprues labelled for easy selection.


A couple of pictures of the superb instructions ZM produce.



ZM want no ambiguity as to how this aircraft is built and while looking busy the instructions really simplify the build by ensuring you know exactly how parts fit and providing a lot of tips.

Some people claim that ZM are ‘over engineered’ but that ignores the concept of these kits which is to give you an idea of how the actual aircraft went together while offering options for you to open as many, or as few, panels as you want. The detail of their kits is exquisite, the fit excellent but it does have tight tolerances to allow for. Personally I prefer to have hatches closed up and I don’t bother to paint unseen detail but I do love building up the internals. From the reading the instructions you know you are not just cementing part A-2 to part A-1 but you are cementing the pushrods to the front cylinder block! I love their approach.

Anyway, I should start cutting plastic over the weekend or, at least, by Monday. More to follow.

 

[Andy T]

Even the instructions are a thing of beauty, I can't wait for the build!

 

[Jim R]

Real quality instructions. Looking forward to this.

 

[Waspie]

Blimey, I'm in awe of not only the kit but your work area!! My current colour is green!!!!!!

 

[BarryW]

I managed some bench time unexpectedly.

Look at the first stage in the instructions, how ZM take care to show you how the engine block goes together. The different views, the photo. You cannot go wrong.


Now look at this. Some people criticise ZM for moulding in the cylinder internals all in the right position relative to each other. Well this is ZM having fun, their ‘signature’ if you like. This won’t add a penny to the cost, they are just shouting,!look at our detail!!


A little clean up and three engine sub assemblies ready to out together next time.

 

[Jakko]

Well, I can certainly see that engine isn’t going to run any time soon …

 

[BarryW]

I have been working on the engine block for a few hours. Imps in red her black and then dry brushed with Uschi metal powders.



That’s much more effective than painting it metallic black as per instructions.

 

[BarryW]

I have been building up the cockpit. It all goes together well and I am painting as I go. No detailing sets here, just the old fashioned hairy stick. Even the seatbelts are moulded in and paint up well.

I will have some weathering to do here, a semi-gloss coat, washes, semi-matt coat, dry brushing.



You can see her the underside of the cockpit. I not painting this as it won’t be seen, but I build it up nevertheless.

 

[BarryW]

Much to my surprise I had a fit issue with the wing ribs associated with the guns. Up to then the fit was perfect. I spent ages checking them against the instructions, including the photos and really could not work out why. The only part already fitted into the wing was the spar, I checked it at all angles and it was in exactly the position pictured. It’s a real mystery but, for me, not a problem as I am building it with the hatches closed so it won’t be seen. I had to do a lot of carving to ensure the ribs fit into the wing and the wing top fits correctly. Here is how it looks



Here is the whole wing built up. I just need to spray the wheel wells and then attach the wing top.


I will show pictures of the completed cockpit soon, as soon as I have done the finishing touches. It’s looking good.

 

[Gern]

Is it just me or are there no holes in the leading edge for the outer MGs?

 

[adt70hk]

Coming on nicely Barry.

 

[BarryW]

Is it just me or are there no holes in the leading edge for the outer MGs?

No Gern
This was before the guns were fitted and they thread through holes in the upper wing. After cutting back the ribs the top wing fitted perfectly. I will put more pictures up later today.

 

[Jim R]

Glad that fit issue is sorted. Very strange for a kit which seems so well engineered.

 

[Gern]

No Gern
This was before the guns were fitted and they thread through holes in the upper wing. After cutting back the ribs the top wing fitted perfectly. I will put more pictures up later today.

Aahh! Just me then!

 

[BarryW]

Gradually pulling together the fuselage/wings.

The instructions say fit the right side of the fuselage to the cockpit then that to the wings before adding the left side. I can see why, because it gives you access to cement in place and check it’s in the right position.

I have added the engine block as well at this point.


A front view


A couple of shots of the cockpit.


Once this is dry I will add a wing fillet on the right before attaching the left side and fillet.

 

[BarryW]

I have fitted the other side and once again a perfect fit.


As was the fillet on the other side.


When these have dried I will fit the other fillet.

 

[BarryW]

Tail and tail wheel construction, on.


More engine build up ahead of adding the panels.




Another quick look at the cockpit

 

[Jim R]

Superb Barry. I reckon the kit must be a pleasure to put together. Just that one hiccup to keep you on your toes.

 

[BarryW]

The airframe is ready for painting. I just need to do some masking.

I had some issues attaching the engine panels, not due to poor fit, the fit was perfect. The problem is that something was not lined up perfectly which then had a knock on effect. This is a key point about how these kits are engineered and why they take so much trouble to show, in the instructions, exactly how parts should fit. A moments inattention to the instructions and it can cost you. Anyway, I got there in the end with the use of filler and sanding. I never did work out exactly where I went wrong. If I wanted panels open though, it would have been a much bigger problem.



I have all the other subs ready as well, all in need of paint before assembly.

 

[BarryW]

Oh, a note to the observant. Yes I did break the aerial in the process. I have it and will glue it back in place in due course. I am just relieved that the two guns are still there!