Sword 72160 - 1:72 Mitsubishi J2M3 Raiden Jack

Plastic model kit of the Japanese Mitsubishi J2M3 Raiden (Jack) fighter in 1:72 scale

Sword 72160 is a self-assembly model of the Japanese Mitsubishi J2M3 Raiden fighter in 1:72 scale. It is a short-run kit from the Czech manufacturer, in which the injection-moulded parts are supplemented with resin details and painting masks. The J2M3 (Model 21) was the most numerous version of the Raiden, armed with four wing-mounted 20 mm cannon.

What's in the box:

• Injection-moulded plastic parts (including a clear sprue)
• Resin parts (interior details)
• Painting masks
• Waterslide decal sheet for two marking options
• Illustrated assembly instructions

Model specifications:

• Scale: 1:72
• Product code: 72160
• Manufacturer: Sword
• Assembled model length: approx. 138 mm, wingspan: approx. 150 mm
• Difficulty: intermediate (short-run kit, resin parts)

Note: the set does not include glue, paints or modelling tools. The model is intended for self-assembly.

Assembly:

As a short-run kit, the model calls for dry-fitting and gentle clean-up of parts before gluing. The injection-moulded parts are joined with plastic cement, while the resin details are attached with cyanoacrylate glue. It is worth painting the cockpit interior before closing the fuselage halves; the included masks make painting the canopy framing easier.

For painting, the recommended colours are those typical of Japanese Navy aircraft – dark green upper surfaces with light grey or grey-green undersides. Aircraft are usually given a satin finish, with details emphasised by a wash. The instructions provide painting schemes.

Required tools:

• Modelling nippers for removing parts from the sprues
• Modelling knife or scalpel
• Files and sandpaper for smoothing and fitting parts
• Plastic cement (for the injection-moulded parts)
• Cyanoacrylate glue (for the resin parts)
• Precise modelling tweezers
• Primer
• Brushes of various sizes and modelling paints
• Modelling wash to emphasise details

About the aircraft – Mitsubishi J2M3 Raiden:

The Mitsubishi J2M Raiden is a Japanese single-seat Navy interceptor (Allied code name "Jack"), designed by Jiro Horikoshi – the engineer behind the famous A6M Zero fighter. Unlike the agile Zero, the Raiden was conceived as a fast-climbing, high-speed interceptor intended to counter high-flying bombers. A characteristic feature was the stubby, spindle-shaped fuselage with a powerful Mitsubishi Kasei radial engine.

The Raiden reached combat units in 1944 and was used in the defence of the Japanese home islands and in other areas, including the Philippines and the Marianas. Its heavy cannon armament proved useful against the Boeing B-29 Superfortress heavy bombers, though engine and undercarriage problems delayed production. Around 480 examples of all versions were built in total.

Specifications (Mitsubishi J2M3 Raiden):

• Length: approx. 9.95 m
• Wingspan: approx. 10.8 m
• Height: approx. 3.95 m
• Take-off weight: approx. 3,440 kg
• Crew: 1
• Powerplant: Mitsubishi Kasei 23a radial engine, approx. 1,800 hp
• Maximum speed: approx. 596 km/h
• Service ceiling: approx. 11,500 m
• Armament: four 20 mm wing cannon

About the manufacturer – Sword:

Sword is a Czech manufacturer of plastic models known for short-run kits in 1:72 and 1:48 scale. The brand specialises in aircraft of the Second World War and the early jet era, often less common among the large manufacturers. Sword kits typically contain injection-moulded parts supplemented with resin details (e.g. cockpit interior, engine), and in newer releases also painting masks. Short-run kits usually call for more experience – dry-fitting and clean-up of parts – in return giving access to rarely seen subjects.