Fine Molds 1/48 IJN Navy Type 0 carrier fighter Model 21 (Mitsubishi, Early Model) Japanese aircraft carrier Akagi

Among the aircraft developed in Japan, the “Zero-type Carrier-Based Fighter” is a representative model; in particular, the early-production Type 21 variant played a pivotal role in securing victory as an air superiority fighter during the Pearl Harbor attack at the very outset of the war. This kit reproduces the aircraft flown by Major Shigeru Itaya (Commander of the First Attack Wave/Air Superiority Group during the Pearl Harbor attack) and First Class Airman Shinji Iwama, who served as his wingman, both of whom were members of the Akagi carrier-based fighter squadron that participated in the Pearl Harbor attack as part of the first wave. While we currently offer the Zero Model 52 series, for the development of this Zero Model 21, we created new designs and molds for nearly every part, including the wings, forward fuselage, cowling, front windscreen, and vertical stabilizer (rudder). Key features of the kit include a choice between folded and extended wing tips, separate parts for the canopy frame and glass, and a one-piece rear fuselage molded using a slide mold, ensuring both accuracy and ease of assembly. Furthermore, while the ailerons on the actual aircraft varied by production lot, this kit reproduces the early Mitsubishi-built models (up to serial number 326) equipped with protruding mass balancers. Series Name 1/48 Scale Japanese Army and Navy Aircraft