1:48 Aichi D3A2 "Val" IJN Type 99 air intakes and exhausts

Air intakes and exhausts for the Aichi D3A2 in 1:48 scale

An accessory set of air intakes and exhausts for a model of the Japanese carrier-based bomber Aichi D3A2 Type 99, listed by the Allies under the nickname Val, in 1:48 scale. These are replacement parts for a kit, not a model of the aircraft.

The real subject

The Aichi D3A was a Japanese carrier-based dive bomber of the Second World War, a two-seat machine with fixed landing gear in teardrop spats. The D3A2 version is one of the later marks of the family. The front of the fuselage is the most visible part of the model, and it is the shape of the intake openings and the exhausts that shows how carefully the model was built.

Building and painting tips

• Cut the excess material off with a sharp blade a little away from the part and sand the rest down.
• Remove the original parts from the kit only after you have dry-fitted the new ones and checked how they seat.
• The parts are not polystyrene, so they are bonded with super glue.
• Wash and degrease them before painting, otherwise the paint will not hold on the smooth surface.
• Darken the inside of the exhausts and lay fine smoke trails on the fuselage behind them, which brings the model to life at once.

Who the set is for

For builders of Japanese naval aircraft in 1:48 scale who are bothered by the blanked-off intake openings and blunt exhausts of the kit. The number of parts and the exact fitting procedure are given by the manufacturer in the instructions. The package holds only the parts named; the model, paints and glue are not included, unless stated otherwise.