BobM's Tamiya J2M3 Raiden - a Newbie Reveal!

[BobM]

Well, the weather, a cold and work all conspired to delay my final reveal photos! Today I found the time and here they are! If you missed the build thread, it is here: BobM's Tamiya J2M3 Raiden - a Newbie Build.

Since this is my first build it is also my first attempt at photographing a finished model. So please don't hesitate to comment (good or bad) on the model building and/or the photography (be honest, but be gentle!).

These were all taken outside, some in shade, some direct sunlight. I'm using a Nikon D90 and used both a 18-105mm zoom lens and a 50mm F1.8 lens; you can check the EXIF info on Flickr if you are interested.

My personal goal for this build was to get back into the hobby and learn as much as I could. I believe I achieved this since I learned a ton from trying various techniques that I head read and seen here at ISM, other forums and YouTube. Some where successful, some maybe not so much. I made plenty of mistakes but learned that these can be usually be fixed. In the end I have a model that I'm pretty proud of; I hope you all enjoy!


Final Reveal by Bob Mortensen, on Flickr


Final Reveal by Bob Mortensen, on Flickr


Final Reveal by Bob Mortensen, on Flickr


Final Reveal by Bob Mortensen, on Flickr


Final Reveal by Bob Mortensen, on Flickr


Final Reveal by Bob Mortensen, on Flickr


Final Reveal by Bob Mortensen, on Flickr


Final Reveal by Bob Mortensen, on Flickr


Final Reveal by Bob Mortensen, on Flickr


Final Reveal by Bob Mortensen, on Flickr


Final Reveal by Bob Mortensen, on Flickr


Final Reveal by Bob Mortensen, on Flickr


Final Reveal by Bob Mortensen, on Flickr

[pourquoi61]

I love this aircraft and you have done a great job. Now on to the next build Bob.

[BobM]

I love this aircraft and you have done a great job. Now on to the next build Bob.

Thanks for the encouragement. I know of a few "major" mistakes but most of them aren't obvious to a casual observer; someone more familiar with the subject will probably spot them. But I'm please with it.

I'm planning my next build, but that might be on hold for a while as I need to turn my attention to preparing to host some of the upcoming holiday parties for our family. Ah, life getting in the way of fun!

[pourquoi61]

Have a great time,try and sneak away when you can for an hour of plastic therapy.

[gaz45]

Very nice work there mate

[TommyKillander]

Great looking Radien- well done


Tommy

[demarcation]

Lovely build mate!

[panzerman825]

Wonderful job on the Raiden. Painting and weathering look terrific. Love seeing the pilot figure in the cockpit.
Bill

[Lysus]

One of my favorite planes and yours looks great! First build you say? I would never have guessed.

The photos are nice and clear, but I think if it's overcast a bit (the best day for lighting--naturally diffused light!) maybe have something to reflect the light back onto the model a bit off camera to help brighten it up. (The middle pics in the shade)

[Stokesy44]

First build?

Would never have known it. Really nice finish there mate. It just looks right and that's always a good sign

[BobM]

Thanks for the feedback guys. I attribute my "success" to the great work I've seen here and elsewhere on the net.

Lysus, thanks for the photography tip, I'll give it a try next time.