1:48 A6M2-N Rufe landing flaps

A6M2-N Rufe — landing flaps in 1:48 scale, an Eduard photo-etched set

This is a photo-etched accessory set from the Czech maker Eduard aimed at the landing flaps of a model of the Japanese Nakajima A6M2-N Rufe floatplane fighter in 1:48 scale. It is not a kit and not a complete set for the whole model — it is a part for one particular place on the airframe. By the manufacturer's code range this is a full photo-etched set, not a smaller pre-painted selection.

What the set is for

Landing flaps tend to be molded closed and in one piece with the wing in kits. A photo-etched replacement makes it possible to build them lowered, which gives a model on a stand a sense of movement and reveals the internal structure of the wing — ribs, stiffeners and lightening holes that cannot be molded into plastic at this scale. It is work on the wing, so reckon on cutting and sanding.

The real subject

The Nakajima A6M2-N, designated Rufe by the Allies, was a floatplane fighter derived from the carrier-based A6M Zero. It was given a large central float and auxiliary floats under the wing, a modified vertical tail surface, and it served where there was no paved runway. The wing stayed close to the original Zero, so the wing mechanization matches the parent type too.

Work tips

Cut the original flap out of the wing slowly, with a thin blade, and rather in two passes than cutting away too much. Level the edges with a file and keep checking how the replacement seats. Bond the photo-etched parts with super glue, bend them over a straight edge and degrease and prime them before painting. Try the fit dry before you glue anything permanently.

Who the set is for

• Builders of Japanese aircraft in 1:48 scale
• Modelers who want a model with the flaps lowered
• More experienced builders used to cutting into plastic and working with metal
• Those who build the floatplane version of the Zero

This is not a kit. The base model, glue and paints are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.