The Kyushu J7W1 Shinden (“Magnificent Lightning”) represented one of the most radical interceptor designs to emerge from Japan’s desperate final months of World War II. Featuring an innovative canard configuration and a pusher propeller at the rear, the Shinden was designed to counter the increasing threat of high-altitude B-29 bomber raids over the Japanese home islands. Its unusual layout was intended to provide exceptional maneuverability and climb rate while mounting heavy cannon armament in the nose.
Development of the J7W1 began in 1943 under the guidance of Captain Masaoki Tsuruno, but the complexity of the design and Japan’s deteriorating industrial situation meant the prototype didn’t fly until August 3, 1945. Powered by a Mitsubishi MK9D 18-cylinder radial engine producing 2,130 horsepower, the aircraft completed only two test flights before Japan’s surrender on August 15, 1945. The prototype demonstrated promising handling characteristics despite some minor stability issues that would have been addressed in subsequent test flights.
The Zoukei-Mura 1/48 scale kit includes exceptional detail, with a full engine in the rear and the 4 canons up front. However, most parts suffered from visible mold seam lines that required cleanup. The fit of the parts was good but not perfect. Finally, I used Eduard’s photoetch seatbelts (originally designed for the A6M2) as the kit did not provide any.
Build Process
Project Inventory
| Kit | Box | Scale | Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zoukei-Mura J7W1 Shinden |  | 1/48 | SWS48-01 |
| Eduard A6M2 seatbelts STEEL |  | 1/48 | FE1238 |
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