1:32 Set of two barrels for Japanese 30 mm Type 5 aircraft machine cannons

Barrels of the Japanese 30 mm Type 5 Aircraft Cannon 1:32 (Aber)

A set of turned metal barrels in 1:32 scale from the Polish manufacturer Aber. It is not an aircraft model but an accessory for a kit of a Japanese aircraft of the end of the Second World War. The package contains a pair of barrels of the 30 mm Type 5 automatic aircraft cannon. Metal holds its shape, allows an open muzzle and is more durable than a thin plastic molding. The exact breakdown of the parts follows the contents of the particular package.

The real subject

The Type 5 was a Japanese 30 mm automatic aircraft cannon developed for the naval air service at the close of the Second World War. It was an original Japanese design with better ballistic properties than the older weapons derived from licenses, at the cost of greater weight. It was to become the standard cannon armament of naval fighters, but by the end of the war it reached only a small number of machines, among them the late versions of the Mitsubishi J2M interceptor and the Yokosuka P1Y aircraft.

Building and painting tips

Separate the barrels with a fine cut and fit them dry, and only then bond them with super glue. If need be, carefully redrill the holes in the wing or nacelle to the correct diameter. Degrease the metal and go over it with a base coat of primer. The barrel is usually left in a dark metallic shade and the muzzle can be brought out with a dark wash; around the muzzle, Japanese machines tend to be dirtied by exhaust residue.

Who the set is for

• Builders of Japanese Second World War aircraft in 1:32 scale
• Modelers who want faithful cannon armament on late Japanese fighters
• More experienced modelers used to working with metal parts
• Collectors of aircraft armament accessories

The model is supplied unassembled and unpainted. Glue, paints and accessories are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.