Marushin Diecast Kits S-020
A6M2 Zeke Diecast Kit
IJNAS| 1:48 Scale | | Length | | Width |
|---|
| Mitsubishi A6M2 Zeke | | 7.5" | | 9" |
PLEASE NOTE: This item has a planned release date of June 2009 and is only available for PRE-ORDER at this time.- Orders are not shipped until complete. If you wish to receive in-stock items prior to pre-ordered items, you must place separate orders.
- Release dates are subject to change. Consider them to be estimates as manufacturers frequently revise them.
- Credit Cards are not billed until time of shipment. Check or PayPal payment (not recommended) is required at time of order.
The Mitsubishi A6M Zero was a lightweight fighter aircraft operated by the Imperial Japanese Navy Air Service (IJNAS) from 1940 to 1945. The origin of its official designation was that "A" signified a fighter and "6" for the sixth model built by Mitsubishi ("M"). The A6M was usually referred to by the Allies as the "Zero"—a name that was frequently misapplied to other Japanese fighters, such as the Nakajima Ki-43—as well as other codenames and nicknames, including "Zeke", "Hamp" and "Hap". Its history mirrored that of the Empire of Japan in World War II. When it was introduced, the Zero was the best carrier-based fighter in the world and it was greatly feared by Allied pilots. The IJNAS also frequently used the type as a land-based fighter. A combination of excellent maneuverability and very long range made it one of the finest fighters of its era. In early combat operations, the Zero gained a legendary reputation, outclassing its contemporaries. Later, design weaknesses and the increasing scarcity of more powerful aircraft engines meant that the Zero became less effective against newer fighters. By 1942, due to the evolution of new tactics and techniques, Allied pilots were able to engage the Zero on more equal terms. By 1943, American and British manufacturers were producing fighters with greater firepower, armor, and speed, and approaching the Zero's maneuverability. The Mitsubishi A6M was outdated by 1944, but remained in production. During the final years of the War in the Pacific, the Zero was utilized in kamikaze operations.
The Marushin range presents detailed, pre-painted diecast aircraft kits of military aircraft in 1:48 scale. The models require some basic assembly using a screwdriver and some glue. Most of the components are designed to "press-fit" together, but the application of a small amount of superglue during assembly results in a much more robust finished model. Each model includes an illustrated step-by-step instruction sheet with Japanese text. Although no English translation is available, the illustrations are quite simple to follow. Marushin diecast airplane kits feature: - Pre-painted components in kit form with illustrated instructions.
- Heavy diecast metal construction with some plastic components.
- Realistic panel lines, antennas, access panels and surface details.
- Pad printed markings and placards that won't fade or peel like decals.
- Optional extended/retracted landing gear.
- Authentic detachable ordnance loads.
- Accurately detailed underside.
- Pilot figures and display stand sold separately.
Designed to meet the Imperial Japanese Navy's requirement for an A5M replacement, the A6M Zero-Sen was first flown on April 1st, 1939. One of the most famous of all Japanese warplanes, the A6M was a superb carrier-based naval fighter, with 11,280 aircraft eventually being produced. Large numbers of early versions were used in Kamikaze attacks during the closing months of the war. |
