1/48 IJN A5M2a Type 96 Fighter (Claude) Late 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-03R is a late-model A5M2a, with the high spine, 5-panel windscreen and "mouse-ear" intakes.

Markings are included for 4 silver aircraft:

• "4-122" with red tail, black over silver cowl, and a red-bordered band on the aft fuselage.
• "3-124" marked as above.
• "3 155" with a black over silver cowl (but with a lower, curved demarcation line as compared to the above), red tail and plain white band on the aft fuselage.
• "3 174", "Hou Koku 102" written on fuselage sides, red tail and landing gear, all-black cowl, red-bordered white band on aft fuselage. This is the aircraft shown on the box top.