This model is a really fine kit, and although difficult to find, is worth the effort to acquire.
The markings I am using for this model, are those of IJN Shoho at Coral Sea, in May, 1942.
Back to the kit. Fit is spot on. Not a lot of putty needed, and the detail in the cockpit looks awesome. All major components line up well, without a lot of mumbo jumbo to get it all straight...OR a ton of fillers and putties to fix mistakes. I am liking the way this baby is turning out so far, and I would again recommend it highly, especially if your into the Japanese subjects. She's a beauty folks!
After the cockpit was together, which took a couple days with all the fiddly bits, the kit just flew together. The wheel spats are not glued on, and are just there for posterity. I have few more little spots to fill, and she also will be ready for the paint shop.

And now, it's back down to the "Laboratory" for some more sanding fun...NOT!
Enjoy all!

Regards,
Freddie from LI

13 attached images. Click to enlarge.

Wingsy makes a really pretty A5M2, that is more readily available than this fine molds kit, if that'll help your search

That is looking really fantastic . Awesome job on the office !

I only have a couple of Star Wars kits from FineMolds, but it looks like the quality of those kits is very representative of everything they do! (My Millennium Falcon is even packaged so nice and pretty I almost don't want to start it!) Speaking of pretty, I have to agree with Craig, the Claude is a looker!

Bernard: Wingsy makes a beautiful A5M2 "Claude", and they are poised to release an A5M4 also. Another tidbit from them, they are releasing a Ki-51, "Sonja" very soon. (At least it's posted on their website as soon) Theirs is a really nice kit, and seems to be more detailed than this Fine Molds offering. Both are really great and you couldn't go wrong no matter which way you went. I find the detail of the wingsy kit better in the inside, while the exterior detail of the Fine Molds is freaking awesome

Hello Folks!

Not quite done with this build, but I am very close. Only things left are the pastel chalk for weathering, and the antenna wire.

This kit was a great model to build, and I absolutely recommend it to anyone interested in Japanese aircraft. Fit is great, detail fantastic, even the kit's decals are pretty darn good.

I hope you enjoy the pics, the marking are for an A5M4, assigned to IJN Shoho, for Operation MO, the invasion of Port Moresby, in May, 1942.

9 attached images. Click to enlarge.

Bernard, you actually DO see a lot of the cockpit, in spite of how small the opening is. I painted the model, using Testors Model Master Enamels, and the color is SAC Tan. (I unfortunately forget the FS number, as I am here at work)

Freddie, thanks! SAC Bomber Tan. I'll give that a try on the IJN builds in future.
Louis, thanks for the FSN number for it.
I always wanted one of these.