This is the last of Jiro Horikoshi's designs. Only a few prototype A7M1's
and one production A7M2 were built, due to the 1944 Nagoya earthquake and
some persistent bombing by B-29's. None saw service. Reppu is the Japanese
name, Hurricane in English, but the code name was just Sam. What with the
J2M Raiden being a Thunderbolt, Seems like the Zero at least could have
been called a Thunderstorm! Typhoon?
This is a very nice kit by Fine Molds. I did have some issues with the
forward fuselage and cowl as they come in 4 parts with minimal areas to
glue in addition to the main fuselage, and the alignment of the cowl is
very dependant on how straight the engine is mounted. I'll get it perfect
next time if I ever find tha A7M2 kit. THe fit of the upper wings was also
a little loose as you move back from the leading edge. A little
Epoxysculpt and a wet finger fixed it right up. I painted all the markings
and the wing no step lines, and went without the no step text because all
I could see of the black text against the dark green was the presence of
decal film. I did put decals on the fuel tank caps, the prop, and the gear
doors.
Tamiya IJN green on top, Alclad Duralumin under, Mitsubishi interior green
inside with details in Nakajima interior green. Gunze propeller
color. The kit decal was used on the instrument panel, subdued nicely with
Mr. Mark Softer. Eduard seat belts.