IJN Type 96 fighter (A5M3B Claude), Clear Prop 1/72
Today, I'd like to introduce Clear Prop!'s 1/72 scale Imperial Japanese Navy Type 96 Carrier-Based Fighter, known internationally as the A5M2B Claude. This kit is an ambitious creation from Ukraine and features a format reminiscent of recent kits from Eduard and other prominent brands. This kit is undoubtedly one that every aircraft modeler would find worth building at least once. The quality is excellent—I assembled the Expert version almost straight out of the box. The only tricky part was the division of the underside of the aircraft, where maintaining the delicate rivets while eliminating the seams was challenging. This time, for the first time, I tried using a separately sold vacuum-formed canopy. As a first attempt, cutting it out was quite precise, requiring careful adjustments to fit it properly. One of the reasons why 1/72 scale aircraft models look convincingly scaled lies in the canopy. So, what do you think of the effect of using the vacuum-formed canopy? It was a satisfying experience to appreciate the compact and gallant figure of the A5M2B Claude, designed by the renowned creator of the Zero fighter.
NAOKI (@yamanaka),
It all works. When a Ukrainian modeling company can create a Japanese model for a modeler to make it more Japanese is impressive. The world is flat with computers and the net allowing people to consult,create and integrate ideas into 3D realities. The canopy turned out great and ties everything together in its scale thickness. The canopy represents the eyes of the model and for people is a focus in viewing. Two thumbs up.
Beautiful work!
This is really beautiful, Naoki @yamanaka
Hard to believe this is just a 1/72 scale.
Really nice work on this and a great result.
Excellent result, especially taking into account that it is 1/72, Naoki!
Nicely done Naoki.
Great work and excellent result. Canopies certainly do make or break a model and yours really makes it.
Thank you all for heart warming comments.Especially I appreciate comments on vacuum form canopy. I just used clear prop’s option parts, but there are some special modelers who can create their own original canopies by scratch building. That is really unbelievable.
Yep - that's a winner! Love everything about it.