1/48 IJN A5M2a Type 96 Fighter (Claude) Early Model

The A5M Type 96 Claude, the immediate predecessor of the Zero, was never used in combat against the Allies, which makes it a lesser-known type, but it was a spectacular aircraft which gave the Japanese complete air superiority in their operations in China. Of course the type was underpowered and underarmed by modern standards when the Zero appeared, but in initial combat trials, pilots in the Type 96 could routinely win dogfights against pilots in Zeros, even when a rookie in the Claude took on a veteran in the Zero. The Polikarpov I-16 was devastated by it in China.

This kit is the first 1/48 kit ever produced by Fine Molds, first released back in 1992. Includes metal engine, propeller, gunsight, pilot's seat and exhaust pipes. Engraved panel detail. Not quite as sharp as their current kits, but still a superb offering of a superb airplane.

FNMFA-02R is an early-model A5M2a, with the low spine, 5-panel windscreen and "mouse-ear" intakes on the upper decking behind the cowl. Markings are included for 3 airplanes, one silver and two camouflaged. The silver airplane is "3-122", with a red tail and two bands on the aft fuselage, red and red-bordered white from fore to aft. This is not the same as the aircraft shown in the background on the box top. The camoflaged aircraft are "10-188" and "4-133", both with white bands on the aft fuselage.