Fine Molds FR02 - 1:72 IJN A6M5 Carrier Fighter Zero Model 52 Mitsubishi Mid Prod

Plastic model kit of the Mitsubishi A6M5 Zero Model 52 fighter (mid Mitsubishi production) in 1:72 scale

Fine Molds FR02 is a build-it-yourself model of the Japanese A6M5 Zero Model 52 carrier fighter in the mid-production Mitsubishi variant. This version is recognisable by the individual thrust-type exhaust stacks led from the rear of the engine cowling out to the sides of the fuselage — a solution that provided extra thrust and improved the aircraft's performance.

The model stands out for its precisely engineered tooling and subtle surface texture, typical of Fine Molds kits. The shape captures the rounded wingtips characteristic of the Model 52.

What's in the box:

• Plastic parts on sprues
• Clear parts for the cockpit canopy
• Waterslide decal sheet for four colour schemes
• Illustrated assembly instructions

Specifications:

• Scale: 1:72
• Catalogue number: FR02
• Manufacturer: Fine Molds
• Assembled length: approx. 127 mm, wingspan: approx. 153 mm
• Skill level: beginner/intermediate

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

Building the model:

Thanks to its good-quality tooling the model is approachable even for less experienced modellers, although its scale and fine detail call for care during assembly. It is worth painting and assembling the cockpit before joining the fuselage halves. The kit allows four aircraft to be reproduced: two machines of the 381st Kōkūtai, an example of the 204th Kōkūtai from Rabaul, and the 253rd Kōkūtai Zero flown by the most successful Japanese ace, Tetsuzō Iwamoto. A typical scheme with a dark green upper surface and light grey underside is recommended; the instructions provide painting suggestions for each variant. To enhance the detail, you may consider the turned metal gun barrels available separately in our shop.

Tools required:

• Modelling side cutters for removing parts from the sprues
• Hobby knife or scalpel
• Files and sanding paper for smoothing sprue-gate marks
• Plastic cement
• Brushes of various sizes
• Modelling paints (acrylic or enamel)
• A wash to bring out detail

About the aircraft – Mitsubishi A6M5 Zero Model 52:

The Mitsubishi A6M Zero was the standard carrier fighter of the Imperial Japanese Navy. Designed by Jiro Horikoshi's team, it entered service in 1940 and dominated its Allied opponents in the early Pacific War thanks to its exceptional agility and long range.

The Model 52 (A6M5) was a development of earlier versions, created in response to increasingly modern Allied fighters. It received shortened wings with rounded tips and a modified exhaust arrangement. The mid-production version used individual thrust-type exhaust stacks led out to the sides of the fuselage. The Model 52 was produced in the greatest numbers of all Zero variants.

Despite its upgrades, the Zero increasingly fell behind new American fighters, and its weak points remained the limited protection of the pilot and fuel tanks. Nevertheless the aircraft stayed in service until the end of the war.

Original specifications (Mitsubishi A6M5 Zero):

• Length: 9.12 m
• Wingspan: 11.0 m
• Height: 3.57 m
• Take-off weight: approx. 2,700 kg
• Crew: 1
• Powerplant: Nakajima Sakae 21 radial engine, approx. 1,130 hp
• Maximum speed: approx. 565 km/h
• Range: approx. 1,900 km
• Armament: 2 × Type 99 20 mm cannon and 2 × 7.7 mm machine guns

About the manufacturer – Fine Molds:

Fine Molds is a Japanese model company active since the 1980s, valued for its precise models of Japanese military hardware — above all aircraft, tanks and ships of the Imperial Army and Navy. The brand is renowned for its fidelity and fine tooling detail. Alongside its plastic kits, Fine Molds offers its own ranges of upgrade accessories, including turned barrels and pitot tubes. Its kits are popular with modellers specialising in Japanese subjects.