Zoukei-Mura J2M3 Raiden

[Edbert]

Build is underway, really enjoying these kits!

Based on my experience with their Bf109, it was better to use their opaque dash and insert a decal for each gauge as opposed to the sheet of gauges adhered behind a clear plastic (painted of course) dashboard. So without really looking close enough I started down that path with this one. Turns out there's only one decal for gauges and they are all combined. I did consider cutting each one out, but only briefly. I chose to use the clear version.


That panel on the right side will be moved over after painting.


The engine was really complex, and is incomplete in this shot. The cockpit base is complete but just a base coat of color before adding detail paint and a clear.

 

[BarleyBop]

I thought my vehicle engines were detailed, but these radials are insane!
Great start!

 

[Edbert]

Just plugging away, ZM kits kinda force you to slow down, I appreciate the help with that.





Having a bit of trouble with the IP, which is why this is dry-fitted and testing only for now.

 

[TimM63]

Very nice. Love the detail paint on the engine and cockpit.

 

[BarleyBop]

Agree... where did you get the mini-clamps (at first I thought they were plastic clothespins)? They look really useful!

 

[Jakko]

One thing I'm noticing now is the interior green paint. Are you sure this is correct? (If it isn't, of course, it's a bit late to do anything about it ) The reason I ask is because AFAIK, Japanese planes were painted on the inside with a kind of translucent varnish that came in various tints depending on the manufacturer, rather than opaque paint like their opponents.

 

[Edbert]

Agree... where did you get the mini-clamps (at first I thought they were plastic clothespins)? They look really useful!

I bought these from Satan himself.

They are not ideal, meaning they do not work well for everything. This wing is just an example of where they do work, but I have larger ones, stronger ones and still use tape and rubber bands in some cases.

 

[Edbert]

One thing I'm noticing now is the interior green paint. Are you sure this is correct? (If it isn't, of course, it's a bit late to do anything about it )

It is TOTALLY wrong for early war and IJN. But late-war years and homeland defense aircraft they used a green that was similar. I do think I missed the mark a little, mine is a bit too bright. The correct color would be a darker color and I hope a clear coat or two might darken it a tad.

Examples of other people's work/interpretation are easy to find, but you'll find pretty quickly that it varies, A LOT.





Also, game developers lean towards a dark Lime or light olive color.




If you look at the first two pictures posted in this thread you can see the color appears different depending on the lighting. The IP is in both and looks totally different.

 

[BarleyBop]

I bought these from Satan himself.

Hmm, thanks for the link, and the review!
I've been using these, but the jaws are parallel, and I'd love to find something smaller that adapts to non-parallel surfaces...

OH NO! Mr. Bill!