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.