Fine Molds FQ01 - 1:72 IJN Planned Interceptor Mitsubishi A7M2 Sam

Plastic model kit of the Japanese Mitsubishi A7M2 Reppu "Sam" fighter in 1:72 scale

Fine Molds FQ01 represents the Mitsubishi A7M2 Reppu – a carrier-based fighter of the Imperial Japanese Navy, designed as the successor to the legendary A6M Zero. It was intended to restore Japan's edge in air combat, and in the A7M2 version, with its more powerful engine, it was also considered for the interceptor role – hence the "planned interceptor" reference in the kit's name.

This is a 2025 reissue based on the proven Fine Molds 1:72 tooling. It captures the slender, classic low-wing silhouette with its large radial engine, and includes clear canopy parts. The decal sheet allows the model to be finished in several marking options.

What's in the box:

• Plastic sprues with fuselage, wing and tail components
• Clear canopy parts
• Waterslide decal sheet with marking options
• Illustrated assembly instructions

Model specifications:

• Scale: 1:72
• Catalogue number: FQ01
• Manufacturer: Fine Molds
• Assembled length: approx. 153 mm, wingspan: approx. 194 mm
• Difficulty level: beginner/intermediate

Note: This kit does not include cement, paints or modelling tools. The model is intended for self-assembly.

Assembly:

This is a classic, fairly straightforward single-engine fighter in a small scale, approachable also for less experienced modellers. It is worth painting and finishing the cockpit interior before joining the fuselage halves and fitting the canopy. Masking the canopy during painting is recommended to keep the glazing clean.

For painting, colours typical of late Imperial Japanese Navy fighters are recommended – usually a dark green camouflage on the upper surfaces with light grey undersides and red national markings. Decals are best applied over a gloss coat to avoid silvering, with a satin coat as the final finish. Exact paint codes are given in the manufacturer's instructions.

Required tools:

• Modelling side cutters for removing parts from the sprues
• Modelling knife or scalpel
• Files and sandpaper for cleaning up sprue gate marks
• Plastic cement (e.g. Tamiya Extra Thin Cement)
• Masks or masking tape for the canopy
• Brushes of various sizes
• Modelling paints (acrylic or enamel)
• A wash to emphasise detail

About the aircraft – Mitsubishi A7M Reppu:

The Mitsubishi A7M Reppu (Allied code name "Sam") was a carrier-based fighter designed as the successor to the A6M Zero. The work was led by the team of Jiro Horikoshi, designer of the Zero, with the aim of combining high speed and ceiling with good manoeuvrability and heavy armament.

The programme ran into serious difficulties from the start. The first A7M1 version, with one type of radial engine, proved underpowered and fell short of expectations. Only the A7M2 version, fitted with a more powerful radial, delivered performance close to the requirements, including markedly better speed and ceiling. In this form the aircraft was also considered as an interceptor, capable of engaging high-flying bombers.

Despite its promising figures, the Reppu never entered mass production. This was due to delays in perfecting the engine, bombing raids on Japanese industry and the strains of the wartime economy. Only a handful of prototypes were built, and the aircraft did not take part in combat. It remains one of the most interesting "might-have-been" fighters of Japanese naval aviation.

Original aircraft specifications (Mitsubishi A7M2 Reppu):

• Length: approx. 11.0 m
• Wingspan: approx. 14.0 m
• Height: approx. 4.28 m
• Empty weight: approx. 3,270 kg
• Take-off weight: approx. 4,720 kg
• Powerplant: Mitsubishi Ha-43 radial engine of approx. 2,200 hp
• Maximum speed: approx. 630 km/h
• Ceiling: approx. 10,900 m
• Crew: 1
• Armament (planned): 20 mm and 30 mm cannons
• Production: 1944–1945, only a few prototype examples

About the manufacturer – Fine Molds:

Fine Molds is a Japanese model company valued above all for highly accurate kits of Japanese aircraft and weapons of World War II. The brand stands out for its fine surface engraving, precise rendering of detail and carefully developed tooling. Beyond Japanese subjects, Fine Molds also offers kits of modern jet aircraft such as the F-4 Phantom II, F-14 Tomcat and F-15 Eagle, as well as ranges of military figures. For many years the company held the official licence for models from the Star Wars universe, giving it recognition far beyond the scale-modelling community. Fine Molds kits are aimed mainly at modellers who value fidelity and build quality.