Mitsubishi A6M5 Zero Fighter Type 52 'Early Version'

[Moofles]

Mitsubishi A6M5 Zero Fighter Type 52 'Early Version'

1:48 Hasegawa

Considered the most effective variant, the Model 52 was developed to face the powerful American F6F Hellcat and F4U Corsair, superior mostly for engine power and armament. The variant was a modest update of the A6M3 Model 22, with non-folding wing tips and thicker wing skinning to permit faster diving speeds, plus an improved exhaust system. The latter used four ejector exhaust stacks, providing an increment of thrust, projecting along each side of the forward fuselage. The new exhaust system required modified "notched" cowl flaps and small rectangular plates which were riveted to the fuselage, just aft of the exhausts. Two smaller exhaust stacks exited via small cowling flaps immediately forward of and just below each of the wing leading edges. The improved roll-rate of the clipped-wing A6M3 was now built in.

Hasegawa well known for their high quality kits have recently produced this new tool limited edition 1:48 A6M5 Type 52 'Early version' Zero. The kit is made up of 70 parts spread across 4 sprues of light grey plastic, with a multi part canopy and light covers on a separate clear spure. This is one of Hasegawa's latest tools and as such the panel lines are very thin and crisp, not a hint of flash is present, nor are there any sink marks.

The cockpit is made up of 13 highly detailed parts, with decals for the instrument dials and some very fine raised detail for cockpit sidewalls. The engine is also a very detailed affair consisting of 4 parts with both rows of cylinders being separately moulded, a scratch built ignition harness will really finish this area off. The undercarriage is a fair representation of the real thing and the oleos on the main landing gear legs are nicely rendered, the addition of some brake lines is all that is needed. The tyres are unweighted, which may disappoint some, but that can easily be rectified with a sanding stick. The main gear bays are nicely detailed with some raised detail. The flaps can be displayed in the lowered position, with internal flap detail being very well moulded. The only problem I can see at this juncture is if you were to have the model in a flying configuration some minor surgery will be required. The three-piece canopy is thin and very clear, I am unsure whether you will be able to pose it open, as the sliding portion looks too thick to sit ontop on the rear section.

Three options are provided for on the decal sheet:

• 204th Naval Flying group Rabaul Jan. 1944
  
• 204th Naval Flying Group Rabaul later half of 1943
  
• An unknown aircraft flying out of Rabaul.
  

The decals are finely printed, all within perfect register, but may be a tad on the thick side.

Conclusion

A highly detailed kit, of a very famous aircraft. Should build up into a wonderful representation of a A6M5. If you own Eduards 1:48 Hellcat and it's looking for a friend on your shelf, then look no further. The markings provided are all very similar which is the weakest point of the kit, other then that, highly recommended.

Review sample courtesy of

UK distributors for

[Mike]

It's a nice kit - a home grown subject from Hasegawa, so it should be!