Zoukei Mura J2M2 Rai Den, 1/32 scale.

[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!

[BarryW]

I have now applied a black primer.

Seams look generally good from a cursory look. I will examine them in more detail alter. When any issues are resolved I will run a polishing stick over the model before starting the painting.

[Jim R]

Looks good under the primer. Does the polishing make a big difference to the final finish or is it just a precaution against rogue dust or hair?

[BarryW]

Looks good under the primer. Does the polishing make a big difference to the final finish or is it just a precaution against rogue dust or hair?

Exactly that. It helps ensure a smooth surface. You don’t want to sand paint away, just smooth the finish hence a polishing sponge.

[Tim Marlow]

Exactly that. It helps ensure a smooth surface. You don’t want to sand paint away, just smooth the finish hence a polishing sponge.

Must admit Barry, I’ve only ever done that under a gloss or metal finish. Probably why your finishes look so much better than mine LOL….this one is no exception, by the way. Looking very nice.

[Ernie]

Excellent work, that is coming along very nicely. The Raiden is one of my favorite aircraft and I am enjoying watching your build.

[BarryW]

I have been getting on with the painting. Still got some more detail painting to do before applying decals. Here is where I am at.

Almost every build of the Raiden I have seen has been with the lightning bolts on the side. I have decided to be different and do a different aircraft without them. A much plainer, simpler scheme and the beauty is in its simplicity.









The scheme I am doing is below.

[Jim R]

Coming on a treat. Nice to see a scheme which is not so common.

[Ernie]

Very nice!

[BarryW]

Detail painting done, note that I painted the red no walk lines. I always do this as it’s far easier and effecting than the decals.


That said Zoukei Mura decals are excellent so I decided to use them instead of painting the main markings.
First of all I applied a gloss coat. Because I spray with MRP’s lacquer varnish you do need to be a little careful not to reactivate the base paint so I use several very light mist coats and no heavy varnish coats.



I will do decals later today and, when they are bedded down, do another light gloss varnish to seal them ready for a wash.

[Jim R]

Looking very good Barry. Does the lacquer varnish reactivate the colour coat regardless of how long the colour coat is left to cure? Have you considered an acrylic varnish?