Two different Mitsubishi A6M3 sub-types can be built with Eduard’s cool new 1/48 Samurai Limited Dual Combo, as CHRIS CLIFFORD reports.
It is inarguable that Eduard has become masterful at making the most of an initial set of moulds, by adding extra styrene, resin or photo-etched (PE) metal parts – and fresh decals. The firm’s common modus operandi now extends to its recent 1/48 Japanese Mitsubishi Zero tooling, which had already been issued in 2021-22 to portray Type 11, 21, 22 and 32 variants.
However, it returns in adapted format via the product Samurai (11168). This Limited Dual Combo provides parts for two models – Type 22 and 32 Zeros – with a whole new decal sheet, enough stencils for both airframes, plain and pre-coloured PE details and self-adhesive pre-cut paint masks. The main difference between the two sub-types is that of rounded and clipped wingtips. These features are emulated via different separate upper/lower wing parts. Alternative components for the cockpit are supplied too, as are optional rudders, gun barrels, horizontal stabilisers/elevators and cockpit glazing.
Above: Both rounded and clipped wingtips are provided, for Type 22 and 32 iterations.
Above: Two identical PE frets carry many detail parts, mostly for the cockpits of both models.
Read about Eduard’s first 1/48 Zero boxing here
The paint masks cater for the wheels as well as the cockpit transparencies and, generously, Eduard offers markings for 12 Type 22/32 airframes, in a mix of overall grey and solid/mottled/striped green camouflage. If you are new to Eduard’s Zero kits, you can expect the same dazzling moulding quality evident on its other 1/48 fighters, such as the P-51 Mustang and Bf 109. The cockpit is especially busy through styrene parts alone, but it is boosted with PE items such as seatbelts, rudder pedals, a layered instrument panel and side console embellishment. The eight-piece radial engine is also impressive and it's also great to have so much choice in paint finishes... the schemes in detail are:
• 3032/V-190, Lt Kiku-ichi Inano, Tainan Kōkūtai, Buna airfield, New Guinea, August 1942
• X151, PO1c Kyoshi Ito, 3. Kōkūtai, Koepang airfield, Timor Island, September 1942
• T2 197, Kōkūtai 204, Vunakanau airfield, Rabaul, New Britain, April 1943
• -181, Tainan Kōkūtai (II), Tainan airbase, Taiwan, summer 1944
• -1151, Tsukuba Kōkūtai, Tsukuba airbase, Japan, 1944
• T2 137, Kōkūtai 204, Rabaul, New Britain, April 1943
• -138, Iwakuni Kōkūtai, Iwakuni airbase, Japan, 1944
• -162, Lt (jg) Takeyoshi Ôno, Kōkūtai 251, Rabaul airbase, New Britain, May 1943
• 6-171, Rabauru Kōkūbuntai, Lakunai airfield, Rabaul, New Britain, second half of 1943
• -109, Kōkūtai 251, Rabaul airbase, New Britain, May 1943
• 7-104, Ens Tetsuzō Iwamoto, probably Kōkūtai 253, Rabaul, New Britain, late 1943-early 1944
• 173, Lt Cdr Saburo Shindo, Kōkūtai 582, Buin airfield, Bougainville Island, June 1943
Above: The cockpit floor (left) and one of the radial engine cylinder banks.... both fine examples of the excellent detail provided by Eduard.
This is a stunning package for fans of World War Two Pacific Theatre aircraft, and parts-wise there’s everything in the box to produce two superb replicas. It’s good value too, at £53.48 direct from Eduard, considering all the aftermarket extras and the fact that you receive two complete kits. This item is also available from Hannants in the UK, priced at £54.70.
