Fujimi 1/72 Aichi D3A2 Type 99 Model 22 Val

FUJIMI 1:72 AICHI D3A2 TYPE 99 MODEL 22 VAL
'INBOX Review'

Reviewer: Carlos Giani (carlos_giani2002@yahoo.de)

Kit: Fujimi 1/72^nd scale Aichi Type 99 D3A2 Val 22 (Kit N° 7A-F8). Produced in Japan

Aircraft: Being designed to substitute the Aichi D1A, which was a standard shipped bomber in the mid 30´s, the prototype of the Aichi D3A had elliptical wings based on the Heinkel He 70, was totally made of metal and had a fixed covered main undercarriage, being powered by an 730 HP radial engine. The first flight showed many problems, making it necessary to introduce many modifications, specially in the wings and power supply. The changes being made and in addition to an 840 HP engine it flew well. Finally, the operational units got a 1000 HP Mitsubishi Kinsei 43 motor and, being designated Type D3A1 Type 11, they went on operations in the Japan-China war. After some successful attacks at the beginning of the pacific war, they soon were overwhelmed by allied planes.

The model D3A2 had a more powerful engine, the Mitsubishi Kinsei 54 delivering 1300 HP, which caused some improvement in the performance, thus still being insufficient for the pacific theatre requirements.

Parts: This comprises of three sprues containing 55 light grey parts, with one sprue just having the canopy and decal sheet, everything nicely bagged separately. The mold must have some years on it, since there is some flash evident, specially around a couple of brittle parts; fortunately, mold halves alignment is O.K. Nevertheless, external detail is excellent, with beautiful engraved panel lines, the wings being very remarkable.

The cockpit is basic, with floor, two crude seats, control stick and plain instrument panel which has a decal. There is also a machine gun provided but, since the canopy has a very dense framing (and is a bit thick), you really will not see much of the whole thing inside. The wing is conventional three-piece, and there are well-defined location holes for the undercarriage legs, this having the wheels molded on it (a little minus). The engine is trapped in a three-piece cowling, and for external detail you get dive brakes, exhaust pipes, antennae, gun sight, pitot tube and an arrestor hook. The storage comprises four 60 kg and one 250 kg bombs, the latter having a well-detailed mounting bracket.

Instructions: One paper sheet folded to four sides, printed on both sides. One side has a brief history in Japanese and English, sprues diagram with a parts list giving the part's description (also Japanese and English) and painting / decaling diagram. The other side shows the construction in 7 steps, being a bit unclear in relation to the positioning of the 250 kg bomb and its bracket. Detail and external colours are given numbers from the Gunze range, with generic names (no FS codes).

Versions: There are two versions which can be made from this kit, just differing in painting details and some decals, the squadrons being unknown since the information is only in Japanese.

Decals: Look adequate, and carrier film is very transparent. I'm by means no expert on markings, but the red of the roundels look a little bit too light to me (please check yourself, I'm possibly wrong). No stencilling is provided.

Detail: As stated above, external detail is very pleasant (with the exception of the „moulded-in“ wheels).

Options: There are no options showed. Canopy cannot be shown opened.

Impressions: Although not the best offer from Fujimi, still a great improvement against the old Airfix kit (D3A1). I'm sure with some work it will become a great model straight out of the box.

Recommendations: I think it is suitable for every level, although the beginner may be confused by the mounting of the underbelly bomb.

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