Jiro Horikoshi Design II: IJN Mitsubishi Raiden 'Jack', Genzan Flying Group ケ-1107 (Ke-1107) 1/72 Nichimo

Jiro Horikoshi (Wikipedia)

This is my 2nd Japanese anime-inspired old-school model of a plane designed by Jiro Horikoshi, Mitsubishi J2M3 Raiden, American name 'Jack'. This kit was a bit more difficult to build than the A5M4 Claude, parts fit was poor sometimes and the fuselage halves were warped out of alignment too. That's why I had to augment this kit with scratch-built items like a new tailwheel and guns, although tried to follow the out-of-the-box principle as long as possible. Original decals - coated with Micro Decal Film - were used, except the yellow leading edge stripes. These decals needed a very long soaking time in water before the backing glue let go. The three-part canopy was hazy and ill-fitting to the fuselage, so that's why this kit is perhaps more suited for a collector's item. The finished model isn't too bad overall, but obviously modern kits are preferable.

And yes, I've no idea what the real historical Ke-1107 Raiden looked like, but for this project the box art was quite adequate source for decal placement information. Here is another, perhaps more accurate Nichimo Raiden model in the Arawesi-Wild Eagles blog. Two Mitsubishi models ready now, Tamiya Zero 'Zeke' still to go!