The Kyushu J7W Shinden (Magnificent Lightning) was a unique canard configuration interceptor developed for the Imperial Japanese Navy. It was undergoing flight testing in August 1945 right at the end of the Second World War. From the beginning a jet-powered version was envisioned. The Shinden was to be a short-range interceptor with a heavy armament of four 30 mm cannon grouped in the nose.
Tamiya produced a 1/72 Shinden kit in the 1960s, this is Hasegawa’s excellent version. It builds up with no surprises into an accurate representation of the aircraft. This is an unusual and attractive design. It is no surprise that it is a favorite of the Japanese manga industry, alternative Anime and Japan ’46 boxings abound. I rather like the aircraft, and finished mine as the camouflaged but unmarked prototype.
Inch High Guy 