Mitsubishi J2M3 Raiden "Jack"
Tamiya 1/48
This was a very quick build. I built too fast that I didn't have time to pull-out the camera and take a shot at the cockpit before I closed the fuselage. This kit was very good in terms of engineering and detail. I'm comfortable with the kit-supplied cockpit. The fit was good. Only problem as the fuselage to lower wing mating area. I needed a lot of putty to hide the seam.
I primed the model with Mr. Color Super Stainless. This paint is so good! It looks like real metal (like foil) when applied to the model surface. After the primer dried, I preshaded the panel lines with flat black and then then applied the paint scheme according to instructions. BTW, all paints used here are Tamiya or Gunze Acrylics, the only exception was the super stainless. After the paint was dry, I pulled out my reference picture and a used 1000-grit wet sand paper. I carefully sanded the top coat of the paint to reveal either the pre-shading or the "metal" underneath. Its easy to go overboard sing this technique. If one is not careful, you will over sand and expose the gray plastic... Always check your reference.
After coating the whole model with 2-3 coats of future, I applied the decals and sealed again with another 2 coats of future. This was left to dry thoroughly. The decal was blended to the weathered surrounding by doing the same technique, wet sanding. After that, I grinded some black and brown pastels to simulate engine exhaust and applied to other areas needed to put some "grime".
Last updated: 10/31/2005