By 1944 as the Allied forces got closer and closer to the Japanese homeland, they began taking a pounding from Kamikaze and evening attacks. It was anticipated that night attacks would worsen even more as the Allies prepared for operation Downfall- the actual invasion of the main Japanese islands.
A faster night fighter, with improved climb, but still with good long range capability was needed, but time constraints ruled out a clean sheet design. Northrop responded with a mixed powerplant version of the P-61, with a turbojet in the rear fuselage pod of the Black Widow. The jet could be used for takeoff and intercepts, but was turned off for economical cruise, leaving the Black Widow with still impressive range and endurance. The P-61J started test flying in late 1944, and several squadrons were in theatre by May, 1945.
The Kit: 1/72 Old AMT/Frog P-61. Scalemates site lists the FROG molds as 1965- do I get extra points for using an old FROG mold?
The Plan: Put a turbojet in the rear of the fuselage pod (Vampire style). This was the former radar operators station, but with the deletion of the troublesome upper turret by many regular P-61 squadrons already, there had already been precedent of moving the radar operator up to the forward fuselage, freeing room in the rear of the center pod.
Comprehensive instructions
