1:48 IJN A6M5a Carrier Fighter Zero Model 52 Ko (Mitsubishi Production)

A6M5a Zero Model 52 Ko (Mitsubishi production) – 1:48, FineMolds

An injection-molded plastic kit in 1:48 scale by FineMolds capturing the Japanese carrier fighter Mitsubishi A6M5a Zero Model 52 Ko in the variant from Mitsubishi production. FineMolds is known for precise workmanship and fine mold detail. The package holds plastic parts, clear parts for the glazing and decals; the exact number of parts and schemes is not stated here, because it does not follow unambiguously from the name.

The real subject

The Mitsubishi A6M Zero was the best-known Japanese carrier fighter of the Second World War and at the same time the most heavily built Japanese type. The Model 52 (Type 52) received shortened wings with rounded tips and reworked exhausts for higher speed. The Model 52 Ko sub-variant brought a strengthened wing skin allowing a higher speed in a dive and a change to the cannon armament with belt feed. The Zero served from the start of the war in the Pacific and its late versions faced ever stronger Allied opponents.

Building and painting tips

Finish and paint the cockpit and the wheel wells before the fuselage is closed; glue the fine parts of this precise kit slowly and keep checking the fit with a dry run. Use thin modeling cement on the plastic and canopy adhesive on the clear parts. Apply a primer before the airbrush. The Japanese naval scheme comes into its own with the panel lines brought out by a wash and with discreet weathering of chipped areas and exhaust stains.

Who the model is for

• Collectors of Japanese carrier aircraft of the Second World War
• Modelers who will appreciate a precise kit with fine detail
• Anyone interested in the specific Zero Model 52 Ko sub-variant from Mitsubishi production
• Builders in the popular 1:48 scale

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