REVELL 1:72 NAKAJIMA A6M2-N 'RUFE'
'INBOX Review'

 

Reviewer: Matthew Chambers  (rec.models.scale)   

Kit Details:  H98 REVELL Nakajima A6M2-N ‘RUFE’ 1:72 1977

HISTORY – An attractive float plane variant of the famous Zero-Sen codenamed ‘Rufe’ by WW I I allied forces. Seeing action in the 1942/43 North Eastern Pacific Aleutian campaign and also Korea. 

Also often used for defence of Japan and bases without a conventional landing strip. Engine was a 1000 hp Nakajima Sukae, 14-cylinder radial, giving a 435 km/h (270 mph) top speed to this light, agile aircraft. 327 A6M2-N’s were built by Nakajima with some alteration to the tail surfaces and an enlarged rudder being the less obvious changes over the carrier based Zero’s. Armourment was formidable 2 x 20mm cannon, 2 x 28mm machine guns and a bomb load of 2 x 60 kg bombs (or as A6M2 Zero). 

THE KIT -   Revell’s early issue of this kit still bears the Frog number F234 on its 5 small sprues and utilised their artwork. Never released as a Frog kit but many boxes were printed and it was test shot by them to a small quantity. They had planned a wheeled replacement for their earlier A6M, a veteran of 1959. Spin-a-prop was also considered and the change to floatplane may well have contributed to its delay as a Frog release.

But back to the kit – 28 parts in mid grey with a special 3-piece stand included on the clear Sprue along with the one piece canopy. Internal detail is lacking with only a pilot, seat, control stick and simple base supplied for the cockpit. Main fuselage halves include the central float and support beam halves, simplifying construction and alignment somewhat. Wings are two piece and have double locating tabs but dry fitting them revealed a rather vague fit to their roots which also show an unsightly sink mark on each side of the fuselage. Panel lines are raised nicely but look a bit sparse on the fuselage, possibly correctly so. Control surfaces have good definition saving any necessary re-scribing. Tail and rudder changes are present giving good representation to the Rufe's alterations. Flash is very minimal.

INSTRUCTIONS – A seven stage sheet with clear drawings and a reasonable colour guide (reference is not made for the paint though) Both are Imperial Japanese Naval Air Force markings –

OPTIONS - Two colour schemes and decal options only, no stores or mounting points underwing.

DECALS  - Fairly detailed decal sheet as they include many of the aircraft’s markings including leading edge colour and float markings as well as the usual insignia etc. One omission is a decal for the stand name plate.

ACCURACY – Overall length and span appear to be accurate :

CONCLUSION – No doubt a ‘blast from the past’ and lacking in many ways but has nostalgia and history in abundance on its side making it an interesting subject (hopefully) for review. I’m not sure how long Revell released this kit for or its availability currently, I found this one on one of the many UK dealers lists for a fair price and would be happy to set about building it. 

Review by Matt Chambers – ref : 

 

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