Reviews : Tamiya Raiden Jack

The Tamiya 1/48 M2J3 Raiden (Jack) #61018 model kit is an excellent value for the money. This one has been around since 1973 and has since been superceded by the Hasegawa model version of this aircraft which is more accurate and detailed. Although the Tamiya kit has a mix of raised and recessed panel lines, this deficiency is largely obscured by the dark paint scheme (i.e. IJN (Imperial Japanese Navy) Deep Green) and the large national insignia markings found on this aircraft. Seat belt detail is minimal, however if the seated pilot figure is used, this becomes a mute point. As an added bonus, a standing pilot figure is also provided. An aftermarket die cut canopy mask set is a must purchase for this build as the raised frame detail on the one-piece clear canopy part is nearly non-existent. I use a canopy mask set from Dead Design Models, Item VM48 012. During my build of this model, I found that I did not have IJN Deep Green, so I substituted this color with Vallejo Model Air 71.007 Olive Green. I also did not have Blue Green paint so I used Vallejo Model Color 70.943 Grey Blue for the main landing gear bays and internal surfaces of the landing gear covers. I had not received my Aotake Blue Metallic paint at the time of this build. As recent historical research indicated that the canopy interior was not Blue Green called out for in the instructions, I used Mission Models MMP-079 RAF Interior Green as a substitute for Nakajima Green, which historical references indicate is the correct color for the cockpit interior surfaces of this aircraft. As the kit did not include decals for the leading wing edge identification stripes, I had to mask them off and then airbrush them on the aircraft model. I used Mr. Hobby Acrysion Orange Yellow as the color for these markings. Parts fit was good with the exception of a gap found along the rear edge of the wing assembly where it met with the fuselage. For my build, I rigged the antenna wires with EZ line fine thread. Due to the low parts count, two tone camouflage pattern and low decal count, this kit can be recommended for scale model builders of all levels. Decal installation and airbrush skills are recommended for best results.

The Mitsubishi Raiden has the wide-body look of a razor back P-47. Tamiya's 1:48 scale kit comes with two sets of instructions--one in Japanese and the other in English. The instructions are easy to follow and understand with just a couple of very minor grammatical errors. There are 4 spruces of light gray plastic--2 spruces are just for the wings. All panel lines are very thin. The wings have recessed panel lines while the body lines are slightly raised. The kit comes with two figures--one seated for the cockpit and the other standing. There is one clear plastic sprue for just 2 pieces--the one-piece canopy/windscreen (canopy shut) and a flat clear piece (bulletproof armor) that is mounted above the instrument panel. (The canopy is incredibly wide for a single seat fighter!) The plane can be built with landing gear up (doors shut) or with gear down. The tires are not weighted (no flat bottoms). There are decals for three aircraft from different air groups--Genzan Flying Group, 302nd Flying Group, and 352nd Flying Group. The kit comes with a 7 x 10 colored print showing the left side profile of the Raidens from the Genzan Flying Group and the 352nd Flying Group. The kit only has 44 total pieces but the details in the moldings make it seem like it has more parts, which is typical of Tamiya excellence!

This was a great build, and its a REALLY unique looking aircraft, especially for the Japanese fighters, many of which look the same. Its bulky and stubby. The coolest thing about this set is the decal sheet. There are several options, the one that i chose was the yellow and orange lighting bolts that provid the side of the fuselage with a great Flash. As with the other Tamiya products that I have purchased, I will say again: Kudos to Tamiya for the clear and coherent directions as well as the beautiful glossy mini-poster of the two finished versions of the Jack. Buy this model, it's fun, different, cheap, and looks great in any collection.

This kit represents one of the best Japanese WW2 aircraft, the punishment it delivered was something else and it made a dent in the bombing of Japan. The kit is easy to assemble, paint and add decals to in one day! There are all very good instructions with all Tamiya kits and the paint scheme sheet is very accurate and a big addition to the kit. I have all the Japanese aircraft models in single engine for the most part and this is my favorite. I would recommend this kit to anyone with a few aircraft kits in their collection.

What can I say. Wanted something that looked good and was easy. This model was both. It was well detailed, fitted together very well, and didn't take long to put together. Not much for flash, easy to paint with spray paint. not much for cons, just make sure that your seams are matched up to avoid using filler. Never built a Tamiya product before, didn't have them when I was growing up. Built a lot of Revell, Monogram, Airfix,and Lindberg back then. Wish I had Tamiya products back then.

I am just getting started on this and it's quite a simple model to do but with good fitting parts and exterior detail for the price you can't beat it if you want something easy and quick to build or need a paint mule for practicing new techniques. There is some direction in paint colors to use on some parts and for others there are not, so I am just winging it with what feels right to me on those parts. I am using this model for my first attempt at preshading, should be fun.

Seeing as this is one of the first kits I've built since getting back into modeling, I was pleasantly surprised on how well this kit stacked up. It wasn't difficult to assemble, the detail was superb and the decal options were great. Painted it standard green top/grey bottom. Even now before weathering it, it's very presentable. A nifty little kit that would be a good choice for person of beginner caliber skill.

This kit has been around for decades, but stands the test of time well. It is accurate, easy to build and captures the portly but streamlined look of the Raiden. The fit is excellent, the detail well represented and for the price, it is a tremendous value, and is inexpensive enough to practice weatherting, adding aftermarket details without worrying about breaking the bank. Highly recommended.

Although I haven't started this kit, I just wanted to mention that shopping at Hobbylinc is super easy. I like the reward points plan that typically saves me about 50% on shipping. I just bought this kit and 2 more at an average of $15/ea delivered to my door. What a deal, I say!

As the fist reviewer Mr. Kelly stated, I have come back to models after decades away. I found this kit very clean and straight forward. It is a great bargain at the price, undercutting REvell-Monogram;s prices and a much better kit to boot.

This is a very low parts count kit with excellent detail, great for a quick slump buster. The decals are superb and no flash to contend with. The only minor thing is the standing pilot is out of scale, quite a bit to large.

if you like ww2 aircraft this is a must have ! can be built in a weekend and is a good beginners kit as with all of tamiyas kits the parts have no flash and the detil is great

This is older kit however it still makes up up to a nice kit. The kit includes decals for 3 different version. No issues with the build. I would recommend this kit to anyone.

Another Army air interceptor. Another fine job by Tamiya. Fit is great, detail and decals just okay. Worth the price if your building a collection of WWII aircraft.

An easily assembled and paintable build even at age 70. I would do this one again with only a change in the paint scheme to a much darker green color

Fun simple, quick kit when you want something quick. Good fit. Can do some fun stuff with the paint job too. Recommended.

Awelcome kit. Goes together brilliantly. I would suggest this kit to anyone. It has 3 different versions to chose from.

I like the design of this Japanese WW2 interceptor. It is a welcome addition to my WW2 collection of Japanese fighters.

Excellent detail and exceptional mold quality. Easily my favorite build which has inspired me to keep on building.

Another great kit from Tamiya..not surprised great detail great fit and accurate depiction of a good fighter...

going on shelf for now , upon inspection of contents , everything looked precise and easy to comprehend

Good detail and easy fit. No cleanup to worry about. Very nice size for collection.

One of Tamiya's older kits. But, a very good build at a very good price.

another fun build. being a ww2 buff gave me several hours of enjoyment

well detailed, easy to build, nice kit of rare ww2 plane,...