1:72 A6M2b/3/5 Vacu Canopy & Mask Hasegawa

The real subject

The A6M was a Japanese carrier fighter of the Second World War, famous for agility and great range, which were reached at the cost of a light structure and weak protection for the pilot. The A6M2b version is among the early machines from the beginning of the war in the Pacific, and the A6M3 and A6M5 are later variants with a gradually revised wing and powerplant. The long greenhouse glazing of the cockpit is one of the recognition marks of the type and on a model it is by far the most visible of all the parts.

What the set contains

According to the name it is a vacuum-formed cockpit canopy supplemented with masks, in a form for the versions stated and for the Hasegawa kits. A formed canopy is substantially thinner than an injection-molded part, so the glass comes across as glass and not as a sheet of clear plastic; it moreover allows the cockpit to be built open, which does not look good with a thick-walled part.

• A vacuum-formed clear cockpit canopy in 1:72 scale
• A form for the A6M2b, A6M3 and A6M5 versions
• Masks for the framing of the glazing are included
• The thin wall makes it possible to build the cockpit open

Building and painting tips

Cut the canopy out of its backing with a margin, then sand the edge down gradually with fine paper laid on a flat board and keep trying the seating on the fuselage. Work slowly; material can always be taken away, but never put back. Glue with an adhesive for clear parts that does not attack the surface and leaves no haze; ordinary modeling glue takes the clarity off the part. Apply the masks before spraying and spray the frames first in the shade of the cockpit interior and then in the outer one. Wipe fingerprints off the part before you start painting.

Who it is for

For modelers who build Japanese fighters in 1:72 scale and want the cockpit thin and clear, or open. The kit, paints and glue are not part of the package, unless stated otherwise.