Marushin Diecast Kits S-010
Mitsubishi J2M3 Raiden/Jack Diecast Kit
IJNAS |
| 1:48 Scale | | Length | | Width |
|---|
| Mitsubishi J2M3 Raiden/Jack | | 8.25" | | 8.75" |
The Mitsubishi J2M "Raiden" ("Thunderbolt") was a single-engine, land-based fighter aircraft used by the Imperial Japanese Navy in World War II. The Allied codename was "Jack".
The J2M was designed by Jiro Horikoshi, creator of the Mitsubishi A6M "Zero". It was strictly a local-defense interceptor intended to counter the threat of high-altitude bomber raids, and thus relied on speed, climb performance, and armament at the expense of maneuverability. The J2M was a sleek but stubby craft with its over-sized Mitsubishi Kasei engine buried behind a long cowling, cooled by an intake fan and connected to the propeller with a long extension shaft. Pilot visibility was poor.
The first few produced J2M2 were delivered to the development units in December 1942 but severe problems were encountered with the engines. Trials and improvements took almost a year and the first batch of the serial built J2M2 Model 11 was delivered to 381st Kokutai in December 1943. Parallel with the J2M2, production of the J2M3 Raiden Model 21 started. The first J2M3 appeared in October 1943 but deliveries to combat units started at the beginning of February 1944. The Raiden made its combat debut in June 1944 during the Battle of the Philippine Sea. Several J2Ms operated from Guam and Saipan and a small number of aircraft were deployed to the Philippines. The primary duty of the Raiden-equipped units was intercepting the B-29 Superfortress flying over the Japanese home islands. Its armament and good performance made it a good opponent to the B-29s. However, insufficient numbers and the American switch to night bombing in spring 1945 limited its effectiveness.
Designed by Jiro Horikoshi, who also designed the A6M Zero, this local defense interceptor first flew on March 20, 1942. Since its primary mission was to counter high-altitude bombing raids, the J2M was endowed with speed, armament and climb performance but was lacking in maneuverability. Production was slowed by the need for modifications to the propeller pitch change mechanism and the main undercarriage, and in the end six variants were produced. The mature J2M performed well and had sufficient armament to take on a B-29, but the American switch to night bombing less than one year after its combat debut limited its overall effectiveness. © Copyright 2003-2026 The Flying Mule, Inc.
The Marushin range presents detailed, pre-painted diecast aircraft kits of military aircraft in 1:48 scale. The fuselage and wings feature and unusally high level of metal content resulting in finished models that have a distinctively heavy and sturdy feel. Robust construction combined with a beautifully applied paint finish ensure that Marushin aircraft stand out from the crowd in any collection.
The models do require some basic assembly using a screwdriver and some glue. Most of the components are designed to "press-fit" together, but the application of a small amount of superglue during assembly results in a much more robust finished model. Each model includes an illustrated step-by-step instruction sheet with Japanese text. Although no English translation is available, the illustrations are quite simple to follow.
Marushin diecast airplane kits feature:
- Pre-painted components in kit form with illustrated instructions.
- Heavy diecast metal construction with some plastic components.
- Realistic panel lines, antennas, access panels and surface details.
- Pad printed markings and placards that won't fade or peel like decals.
- Interchangeable extended/retracted landing gear.
- Authentic detachable ordnance loads.
- Accurately detailed underside.
- Pilot figures and display stand sold separately.
© Copyright 2003-2026 The Flying Mule, Inc.
