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:

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

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  2. US carriers beware of this rather impressive air fleet!

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  3. 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...

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  4. 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?

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  5. You have the coolest aircraft collection Tim

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

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

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

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  9. 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!

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