1:48 Scale, Fine Molds A5M4, Type 96 Carrier Fighter, “Claude”
A beautiful little model by Fine Molds, is this A5M4 Type 96, in 1:48 scale.
It has very nice detail in the cockpit and engine, and the surface detail on the exterior is excellent, especially on the wings. The model builds well, with NO fooling around getting parts to line up, and little to no putty anywhere. I think that, this is by FAR the best kit they have produced, and I recommend it to anyone interested in Japanese aircraft. The pictures speak for themselves, so I hope you enjoy!!
Markings are for an A5M4, flying from IJN Shoho, during Operation MO, the invasion of Port Moresby.
8 additional images. Click to enlarge.
Rick Wilkes said on April 2, 2017
Well done Freddie. You sure knocked that out fast. I picked one up about 3 weeks ago but haven’t done anything with it yet. Looks like it will get moved up the list for new starts.
Frederick J Seitz III said on April 2, 2017
It’s a great kit, and once I got going with it, I couldn’t put it down.
Frederick J Seitz III said on April 3, 2017
Isn’t the surface detail, spot on? I think, for my next, that all the dissimilar surfaced will show up as different shades of aluminum, when sprayed with an Alclad or similar paint. Round two will be coming up after I clean off the “SHELF OF DOOM” for a bit.
Craig Abrahamson said on April 2, 2017
Nicely done, sir…good lookin’ build.
DE4EVER said on April 3, 2017
🙂 … Greetings … 🙂 :
Nice clean work Frederick . Looking at the wings, kind of makes one see those of the SPITFIRE.
George Henderson said on April 3, 2017
Sweet!!! I’ve always liked the looks of this aircraft
Frederick J Seitz III said on April 3, 2017
She is a pretty beast…
Tom Cleaver said on April 3, 2017
That would have been one of the two A5M4s that defended Shoho during the battle of the Coral Sea. Jimmy Flatley shot them both down, his first two victories of the war.
Nice work on the kit, that’s an uncommon scheme.
Frederick J Seitz III said on April 3, 2017
Thanks Tom
I have to admit, it may not be correct, but from I have read so far, I feel it’s a pretty good, educated guess. Now, If I may ask your opinion on same? Also, the kit is FABULOUS!
(BTW, congrats on the new book, I will be getting a hold of it as soon as I finish “Shattered Sword”)
Regards,
Freddie
Robert Royes said on April 3, 2017
Great job sir!
George Williams said on April 4, 2017
More neat work there, Frederick, but, again, why is it in “Uncategorised”?
Louis Gardner said on April 4, 2017
Nice job Freddie…………… It really turned out great.
Greg Kittinger said on April 5, 2017
Very nice! I’ve seen a few really nice Claude’s lately, and can’t decide what scheme to put on my build. Probably slated for 2018, as my on-deck bench is pretty cluttered at the moment…
Frederick J Seitz III said on April 5, 2017
Next one I build, will be the red tail, white and black fuselage stripes over NMF. That will be one beautiful looking aircraft!!
P.k said on April 6, 2017
Great job
Stellan Schroeder Englund said on April 6, 2017
Nice one, it´s on my “want list” since a while. Good to read about your positive build experience.
Dan DeSilva said on April 7, 2017
Great work- I have been interested in doing a Claude for a while. The scheme you chose is really appealing, and it is build really well!