Marushin Diecast Kits S-028
Nakajima B5N2 Kanko/Kate Diecast Kit
IJNAS Akagi Flying Group, AI-301, Fuchita Mitsuo, IJN Carrier Akagi, Pearl Harbor, December 7th 1941 |
| 1:48 Scale | | Length | | Width |
|---|
| Nakajima B5N2 Kanko/Kate | | 8.5" | | 12.75" |
On December 7th, 1941 at 7:48 a.m. Hawaiian Time, the US Naval base at Pearl Harbor was pre-emptively attacked by the Empire of Japan to prevent the US Pacific Fleet from interfering with planned Japanese military actions in Southeast Asia. The attack was carried out by 353 fighters, bombers and torpedo planes, launched in two waves from a task force of six aircraft carriers (Akagi, Kaga, Soryu, Hiryu, Shokaku, and Zuikaku) northwest of Hawaii. The damage inflicted was massive. All eight U.S. Navy battleships were damaged, with four being sunk, in addition to damaging or sinking three cruisers, three destroyers, an anti-aircraft training ship and one minelayer. 188 U.S. aircraft were destroyed; 2,402 Americans were killed and 1,282 wounded. Japanese losses were light: 29 aircraft and five midget submarines lost, and 65 servicemen killed or wounded. One Japanese sailor was captured. The attack came as a profound shock to the American people and led directly to the American entry into World War II in both the Pacific and European theaters. The following day (December 8), the United States declared war on Japan. There were numerous historical precedents for unannounced military action by Japan. However, the lack of any formal warning, particularly while negotiations were still apparently ongoing, led President Franklin D. Roosevelt to proclaim December 7, 1941, "a date which will live in infamy".
The actual attack on Pearl Harbor was commanded by Mitsuo Fuchida. His B5N2 Kate lead the way and at 0749 sent the coded signal "To, To, To" (Totsugeskiseyo - "charge") to his 51 D3A dive bombers, 40 B5N torpedo bombers, 50 B5N high level bombers and 43 A6M fighters. At 0753 he sent the message Tora, Tora, Tora, back to the Japanese Fleet meaning the operation was successful. Fuchida remained on site to assess the damage from both attack waves and returned to the Akagi with 20 large anti-aircraft holes.
Designed to meet a 1935 Imperial Japanese Navy requirement for a carrier-based attack bomber to replace the Yokosuka B4Y, the B5N was first flown in January, 1937. © Copyright 2003-2024 The Flying Mule, Inc.
The Marushin range presents detailed, pre-painted diecast aircraft kits of military aircraft in 1:48 scale. The fuselage and wings feature and unusally high level of metal content resulting in finished models that have a distinctively heavy and sturdy feel. Robust construction combined with a beautifully applied paint finish ensure that Marushin aircraft stand out from the crowd in any collection.
The models do 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.
- Interchangeable extended/retracted landing gear.
- Authentic detachable ordnance loads.
- Accurately detailed underside.
- Pilot figures and display stand sold separately.
© Copyright 2003-2024 The Flying Mule, Inc.
