1:48 Type 97 Number 6 Land Bombs set

Japanese aircraft bombs Type 97 Number 6: a 1:48 accessory set (ABK)

This item is not an aircraft kit. It is an accessory set in cast resin that adds period aircraft armament for ground targets to a model of a Japanese aircraft in 1:48 scale. Resin allows a sharper shape of the body of the bomb and of the fins than simple plastic parts offer, and the set is useful above all where you want to build the aircraft with stores rather than in a clean configuration.

What it is and what it is for

The designation Type 97 Number 6 comes from the Japanese period system of marking aircraft munitions; the Number 6 series in it corresponds to bombs of a lower weight category intended against ground targets. The set captures their shape and surface breakdown; the number of pieces in the package and their weight category are stated on the packaging of the set, so check the contents of the package against the instructions.

Building and painting tips

First wash the parts in warm soapy water, so that the mold release residue comes off the surface; otherwise paint does not hold. Cut the casting blocks off with a thin saw or a cutter and do not break them; when sanding resin wear a mask and sand wet. It is glued with cyanoacrylate; cement for plastic has no effect on resin. Apply a primer before painting. With stores it helps to check in advance whether you have the appropriate pylons on the wing or the fuselage at all and whether they have to be drilled out. A fine wash in the engraved seams and discreet chipping on the edges are good at the end.

Who the set is for

• Modelers building Japanese aircraft in 1:48 scale
• Those interested in realistic underwing armament instead of simplified plastic parts
• Builders of dioramas and scenes with ground equipment
• Modelers who already have experience of working with resin

This is an accessory set, not a model in its own right. The base kit, glue and paints are not included in the package.