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In-Box Review
172
J2M3 Raiden Armament
J2M3 Raiden Armament Ser for Hasegawa Kit
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by: Frederick Boucher [ JPTRR ]

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Introduction
CMK - Czeck Master's Kits - has created a range of upgrades for Hasegawa's venerable 1/72 J2M3 Raiden "Jack" model. This review is of the J2M3 Raiden Armament Set, set No. 7393. This is one of six (6) sets for the Hasegawa J2M. The other five are J2M3 Raiden:
    Cockpit, set 7292
    Control Surfaces, set 7394
    Wing Flaps, set 7395
    Wheel Wells and Covers, set 7396
    Seat with Belts, item Q72305
    (Part of CMK's Quick & Easy range.)

Mitsubishi's portly Raiden (Thunderbolt) is a favorite subject for Japanese Naval Air Force modelers, and Hasegawa's kit was considered the best 1/72 model "Jack" before Sword released one c.2011. Tamiya kitted one in 1/72 in the early 1970s and Nichimo released one, too. Hasegawa released their J2M in 1977 and while it was - and is - a competent model, it is long in the tooth with detail not up to snuff for discriminating modelers.

CMK boresights detail with several sets to upgrade and enhance Hasegawa's model, including this weapons set.

J2M3 Raiden Armament Set
CMK cast these parts in gray resin. Casting is good with crisp edges, no air pocks, seam marks, sinks marks, or flash. One thing I noticed reviewing the enlarged photos of the parts is that the surface has a rough texture. Happily, it is so fine that to my naked eyes it is indiscernible.

There are 16 resin parts firmly attached to pour blocks:
    4 x Breechs for 20 mm Type 99 cannon
    2 x Gun bay
    2 x Ammunition tray
    2 x Ammo bay cover
    2 x Ammo bay part
    2 x Gun bay cover
    2 x Cover panel

Every part is firmly attached to its block. It appears that CMK sculpted a break line to ease separating the thin cover parts from their "sprues." Finesse and care should be exercised when removing them.

Detail
Casting is crisp and sharp. Very fine rivet and bolt detail is apparent, as are bracing structures inside the panels.

Very fine detail is molded onto the cannon parts. This level of detail is remarkable and can enhance the Hasegawa "Jack.".

Instructions & Packaging
A small instruction sheet is provided. It is clearly printed and organized. Each sprue is illustrated and each part numbered. Each part identified by number in the assembly steps, and keyed to one of four (4) Humbrol brand colors for the parts.

This intriguing set is packaged in a sturdy plastic bubble with a cardstock backing.

Conclusion
CMK has created a range of impressive upgrade sets with J2M3 Raiden Armament Set for Hasegawa Kit. With crisp casting, high detail and separately cast parts, the detail opportunity for the J2M3 is enhanced.

This cannon set can stand alone or be combined with the other sets to upgrade and enhance Hasegawa's old J2M3 into the pride of your collection. Recommended!

Please remember, when contacting retailers or manufacturers, to mention that you saw their products highlighted here - on AEROSCALE.
SUMMARY
Highs: Crisp casting, high detail and separately cast parts.
Lows: Nothing of consequence.
Verdict: This cannon set can stand alone or be combined with the other sets to upgrade and enhance Hasegawa's old J2M3 into the pride of your collection.
  Scale: 1:72
  Mfg. ID: 7393
  PUBLISHED: Dec 13, 2018
  NATIONALITY: Japan / 日本
NETWORK-WIDE AVERAGE RATINGS
  THIS REVIEWER: 87.04%
  MAKER/PUBLISHER: 85.89%

Our Thanks to Special Hobby!
This item was provided by them for the purpose of having it reviewed on this KitMaker Network site. If you would like your kit, book, or product reviewed, please contact us.

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About Frederick Boucher (JPTRR)
FROM: TENNESSEE, UNITED STATES

I'm a professional pilot with a degree in art. My first model was an AMT semi dump truck. Then Monogram's Lunar Lander right after the lunar landing. Next, Revell's 1/32 Bf-109G...cried havoc and released the dogs of modeling! My interests--if built before 1900, or after 1955, then I proba...

Copyright ©2021 text by Frederick Boucher [ JPTRR ]. Images also by copyright holder unless otherwise noted. Opinions expressed are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of AeroScale. All rights reserved.



   
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