Mitsubishi J3M Raiden 'Jack'
Mushroom Model Magazine Special
Yellow series, No. 6110

Author: Robert Peczkowski

ISBN 83-916327-7-6
Squadron Price: $17.97

Reviewed by Ray Mehlberger

This is the latest book from Muchroom Model Magazine. It is in their 6.5" x 9.5" soft cover format for this series of aircraft books.

This new book covers the pugnacious Japanese 'Raiden' fighter, developed at much the same time as the famous Zero and by the same team. However, the emphasis for it was on speed, rate of climb, and heavier armament. These were radical departures from the usual Japanese emphasis on light weight and manoeuverability. Given the Allied code name 'Jack', this fighter was slow to appear in JNAF service, but frorm 1943 onwards gave the Japanese Navy an effective interceptor whose importance escalated as USAAF attacks on the homeland intensified.

The book describes the technical development of the Raiden, and illustrates all versions with photos and plans. The J2M2 Model 11, J2M3 Model 21, J2M4 Model 32, J2M5 Model 33 and the J2M6 Model 31 are all discussed.

There are 80 pages in the book, 36 wartime black and white photos, 94 pictures taken of the sole remaining Raiden in a museum (these are walk-around type pictures and we are never told where these were taken - too bad). There are 34 full color side profiles and two of these are two views with the top shown also. There are 25 black and white line drawings showing various parts of the Raiden's anatomy and four tech data tables. Quite a bit of information!!

This book will be an invaluable reference source for Japanese aviation enthusiasts, modelers and historians. Highly recommended.

I want to thank Roger Wallsgrove, Mushroom's Editor in Chief, for this generous sample.

The book is available in the UK for 9.99 pounds, or direct from the publishers at 11 pounds post paid (UK & Europe only) at the address below:

Mushroom Model Publications
35 Ver Road Rebourn,
Herts, AL3 7PE
UK

Tel: +44 1582 792126
Fax: +44 1582 794590