Having delighted modellers with its all-new 1/48 A6M2/3 Zero kits, Eduard has turned its attention to the A6M2-N floatplane version, arguably known better by its Allied reporting name of Rufe.
As is usual for Eduard, the first sight of this new variant is in the form of a Limited-Edition Dual-Combo boxing (item 11171, £53.31) simply entitled Rufe. Accompanying the familiar dark grey styrene parts on this occasion are duplicate pre-painted photo-etched metal frets and a large pre-cut self-adhesive canopy, navigation light and wheel (for the handling/beaching trolley) mask set.
Initial impressions on opening Eduard’s box are surprisingly deceiving – at first glance there appear to be just three new runners, providing replacement wings (Runner L) plus the floats and beaching/handling equipment (Runners T and U). However, closer examination reveals that Runner G has replaced Runner B from the standard A6M2 kit – but retains the seven-piece cowling, which is assembled around a specially designed jig to capture the complex shape. The remaining four frames (including the clear runner) are common to all of Eduard’s Zero family kits.
Above: New to this kit, the one-piece wing underside includes (L-R)mounting holes and stubs for the…
