1/48 Fine Molds Mitsubishi A7M2 Reppu

Gallery Article by David Walker on Mar 8 2012

 

 

History
The A7M 'Reppu' was designed to be a replacement for the A6M5 Zero aboard fleet aircraft-carriers and also based on shore airfields.

Original design was started in 1940 as a successor to the Zero, but a lack of design staff and extra work in upgrading other types like the J2M Raiden and A6M Zero meant that no real head-way took place until 1942.

Though initially designed for the 2200Hp Mitsubishi Ha-43 (MK9A) engine, then being developed, the Naval Staff decided to go with the 2000Hp NK9 Homare Engine which was also used on the Ki.84 (Frank) and N1K2-J (George).

The A7M1 prototype took to the skies in May of 1944.

Overall the aircraft was successful and in a short three weeks, it was handed over to the Navy for Service Trials. The aircraft was found to be a delight to fly and all test pilots enjoyed its maneuverability and stability. Unfortunately, it suffered from the lack-lustre Homare engine which was suffering from a lack of power, due to poor crude and careless manufacturing and some engines were developing far less power than had been promised .

Work was stopped on the 3rd-6th prototypes while the Mitsubishi Ha-43 engine was installed in the 6th airframe.

It should also be noted that I discovered from reading (Japanese Language ) Maru Mechanic Special on the A7M Reppu that the Reppu was much easier to service than the A6M Zero, due to the fact that the Sakae Engine and firewall were too close, and the replacement of auxiliary machinery was very difficult, plus the inspection of piping was difficult in service.  The Engine layout was much superior in the Reppu due to careful design, and from the very start, the Reppu Wing Tanks were fitted with an automatic fire extinguisher, whilst the A7M2 Fuselage and Wing Tanks were also fitted with bullet proof rubber linings.  The Reppu cockpit also had bullet proof glass fitted separately inside the front cockpit canopy itself.  A added bonus was that the wing-loading was lower than the Zero so it was a better fighter aircraft.

It should also be pointed out ( for the very first time to an English language audience ) that while both engines, Ha-43 (2200Hp) and Homare (2000Hp with low-pressure fuel supply) had the same 18 cylinders, the displacement was 35.8 Litres and 41.6L respectively.  In addition there was a fundamental difference in fuel supply (the Ha-43 had high-pressure fuel injection with Water Methanol emergency boost) between the two, thus it is inappropriate to discuss the two engines on equal footing .

Thanks to the larger Ha-43 engine, the forward airframe had to be redesigned and in October 1944, the A7M2 made its maiden flight.  The new more powerful Ha-43 engine transformed the plane and it was far more faster than the A7M1, the top speed achieved during trials was 630km/hr (390mph) and the Reppu could climb to an altitude of 19,685 ft in 6 minutes.  Plans were initiated to put the Reppu into service and plans were made to start mass production.

It was hoped that this would be the answer to the Hellcat and Corsairs that were flown by the enemy.  However, a violent earthquake in December 1944 and saturation bombing by B-29s destroyed the engine plant making the Mitsubishi built Engine.  By the end of the war, only one production plane had been completed and accidents befell half the prototypes so that only the fourth, sixth and seventh were still airworthy.

The Mitsubishi A7M2 Reppu therefore never saw combat

The Kit
This is the Fine Molds [of Japan] Mitsubishi A7M2 Reppu (Sam).  Inside the box are three sprues of light grey injection moulded plastic, a clear sprue and a two part decal sheet that lives up to Fine Molds high standards.  There are 55 pieces and the level of detail is to be admired.  A look through the instruction sheet reveals a straightforward build.

These kits are intended for local consumption and as a result, all the instructions are in Japanese.  The kit has an interior as detailed as a Hasegawa kit, including the decals for instruments.  A belt arrangement is shown for those who may wish to install them in their kit.  It is the standard three-point harness that all IJN aircraft carried.  There are no optional parts aside from a drop tank and the canopy has the option of being closed or open in three parts.

 

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The Build
The FineMolds kit external detailing was excellent, and the cockpit was even better – the best I’ve seen without aftermarket additions.  I used the A6M5 1/48 scale photo etch set by Eduard to super-detail the cockpit and add seatbelts, levers and wiring.

I also purchased from HobbyLink of Japan for the model a set of FineMolds A7M2 - 20mm Brass Barrels and Pitot tube which made a big difference to the look of the model.  I opened up the 4 air ducts above and below the engine cowling and added mesh for the oil cooler which was below the engine in its air scoop.

I also purchased the Montex A7M paint masks so that the Tail Markings were in the correct colour, as the decals were in yellow and should actually be in white.

I used careful panel shading and pastel washes, whilst I used Orange paint for the Japanese Wing identification leading-edge ID bands.

It was a large and unusual model, and I think it's quite something.

It looks like a Hasegawa kit and has the same high quality boxing and packaging used by Hasegawa, but it isn't .

The latest Fine Molds kits are now the equivalent of a mainstream Hasegawa kit and are highly recommended .

David Walker

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Photos and text © by David Walker