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

IJN A6M5a Zero Model 52 Ko, Nakajima (1:48, FineMolds)

A plastic kit of the Japanese carrier fighter A6M5a Zero Model 52 Ko in the version produced by the Nakajima company, 1:48 scale, from the Japanese maker FineMolds. It is a new modern mold with fine surface detail, clear glazing parts and decals. An injection-molded plastic model to be glued and painted.

The real subject

The Zero was the best known Japanese carrier fighter of the Second World War. The Model 52 version (A6M5) had shortened wings with rounded tips and reworked exhausts for a higher speed. The 52a subversion (Model 52 Ko) brought a reinforced wing skin allowing a higher dive speed, and belt feed for the cannons. The famous Zero excelled in range and agility; as the war went on, however, Allied fighters increasingly outclassed it in performance. A number of machines of this version were built by the Nakajima company. The rounded tips of the shortened wings and the individual short exhausts under the cowling are the most conspicuous recognition features of the Model 52 version in this scale.

Building and painting tips

Work the cockpit up, because it shows well through the glazing; mask the glazing before spraying. Late Zeros usually carried a dark green upper surface and a lighter underside: play the transitions out with an airbrush. A restrained wear and chipped paint at the wing root suit well. Pick out the panel lines with a fine wash and finish with a matte coat. The frames of the sliding canopy and the instrument panel are among the details that stand out in 1:48, and it pays not to skimp on them.

Who the model is for

• For collectors of Japanese naval fighter hardware
• For lovers of the Zero and of the Pacific war
• For moderately advanced modelers in 1:48 scale

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