Wednesday, 12 June 2013

A quad of Claudes

The Mitsubishi A5M - or Type 96 Carrier Based Fighter - was the direct ancestor of the rather better known A6M 'Zero'.  It flew on in front line service until mid 1942, the few survivors ending their days on Kamikaze flights.
These little gems are pre-coloured Japanese 'Gashapon' kits by F-Toys - the photo above shows the component parts.  So no painting required, and only a modest amount of assembly!
The set I bought contained four different Claudes - here they are assembled and awaiting additional markings.

11 comments:

Service Ration Distribution (Hobby) said...

So now you'll have to start work on a carrier...you can't let these fine aircraft be homeless.

Paul said...

US carriers beware of this rather impressive air fleet!

Archduke Piccolo said...

In Command Decision terms, that looks like a whole squadron - a large squadron at that. What would 4 aircraft represent in Megablitz terms? A Wing? An Air Fleet?
An impressive force, for sure...

Milgeek said...

Charming little plane (if a fighter can be charming)...

And wonderful colour schemes. I wonder if you can get a 1/144 Chinese Gloster Gladiator?

Al said...

You have the coolest aircraft collection Tim

Tim Gow said...

Service Ration Distribution
Be careful what you wish for....

Tim Gow said...

Paul
I'm not sure they'll be quaking at the thought of the Claudes!

Tim Gow said...

Archduke Piccolo
Each toy represents a squadron. But there were four in the box - what was I to do?

Tim Gow said...

Stephen Beat
You can get a 1/144 metal kit of a Gladiator - I (predictably) have two - and it comes with several sets of markings including Nationalist Chinese!

Tim Gow said...

Al
Most kind Al.

Geordie an Exiled FoG said...

Lots to like here Tim :)