Marushin Diecast Kits S-021
Mitsubishi G4M Betty Diecast Kit
IJNAS |
| 1:48 Scale | | Length | | Width |
|---|
| Mitsubishi G4M Betty | | 16" | | 20.5" |
The Mitsubishi G4M or Ichishikirikkou ("Type 1 land-based attack aircraft") was the main twin-engined, land-based bomber aircraft used by the Imperial Japanese Navy Air Service in World War II. The Allies gave the G4M the identification name of Betty.
The G4M was similar in performance and missions to other contemporary twin-engine bombers such as the German Junkers Ju 88 and Heinkel He 111, the North American B-25 Mitchell, and the American Martin B-26 Marauder. These were all commonly used in the anti-shipping role, and all but the B-25 were used as torpedo-bombers. The G4M Model 11 was prominent in attacks on Allied shipping in the 1941 to early 1944 time-frame, but beyond that time, it was increasingly the easy prey of the ever-improving enemy fighters.
Designed to meet an Imperial Japanese Navy requirement for a land-based bomber to replace the G3M, the G4M was first flown on October 23rd, 1939. Built for high speed and long range, the G4M was well-armed but insufficiently armored. It lacked self-sealing fuel tanks, which made it extremely vulnerable and apt to catch fire when hit (earning it the nicknames "flying Zippo" and "flying cigar"). Armament included a mix of cannons and machine guns, an internal bomb load or anti-ship torpedo. The G4M was active through the end of the war, when it was used to carry and launch the Ohka kamikaze rocket aircraft. © Copyright 2003-2025 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 2003-2025 The Flying Mule, Inc.
