Hobby 2000 72015 - 1:72 Nakajima B6N1 Model 11 Tenzan

Plastic model kit of the Japanese Nakajima B6N1 Model 11 Tenzan torpedo bomber in 1:72 scale

Hobby 2000 72015 represents the first production version of the Japanese carrier-based torpedo bomber Nakajima B6N Tenzan – the Model 11 with its fourteen-cylinder Nakajima Mamoru 11 radial engine and the distinctive fin canted slightly to port. This was the aircraft intended to replace the famous B5N Kate and carry Japanese carrier aviation into the next stage of the Pacific war.

The kit is based on Fujimi sprues, to which Hobby 2000 has added a new sheet of waterslide decals printed by Cartograf and self-adhesive masks for the extensive glazing of the three-seat cabin. The decals cover two marking options: aircraft "12-382" of the 601st Kokutai operating from the carrier Zuikaku (Singapore, spring 1944) and "Ri-371" of the Hyakurigahara Kokutai.

What you will find in the box:

• Plastic sprues with airframe, cockpit and undercarriage parts
• Clear parts for the long crew canopy glazing
• Aerial torpedo for carriage under the fuselage
• Self-adhesive masks for the glazing
• Waterslide decal sheet printed by Cartograf covering two marking options
• Illustrated assembly instructions

Model specifications:

• Scale: 1:72
• Catalogue number: 72015
• Manufacturer: Hobby 2000
• Length of the finished model: approx. 151 mm
• Wingspan of the finished model: approx. 207 mm
• Skill level: intermediate

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

Building the model:

The model is made up of a moderate number of well broken-down parts, but the roomy three-seat cabin needs attention from the start – the interior is best painted and assembled before the fuselage halves are joined, as a good deal of detail remains visible under the long glazing. The included self-adhesive masks make painting the many canopy frames much easier, and on this airframe they are a very prominent feature.

Japanese carrier aircraft of the period wore dark green upper surfaces over light grey undersides, with yellow identification bands on the wing leading edges – the instructions give paint codes for both schemes. Applying a gloss varnish before the decals is recommended, as it prevents decal silvering, and the model can be finished with a satin varnish. A light wash along the panel lines brings out the shape of this comparatively large 1:72 airframe.

Tools you will need:

• Modelling nippers for removing parts from the sprues
• Modelling knife or scalpel
• Files and sanding paper for cleaning up gate marks
• Plastic cement (e.g. Tamiya Extra Thin Cement)
• Precision modelling tweezers
• Brushes in various sizes or an airbrush
• Modelling paints (acrylic or enamel)
• Gloss varnish for the decals and satin varnish for the final finish
• Decal setting solution to help the decals conform to the detail
• Modelling wash to emphasise the detail and panel lines

About the aircraft – Nakajima B6N Tenzan:

The Nakajima B6N Tenzan ("Heavenly Mountain") was designed as the successor to the B5N carrier torpedo bomber, which in 1941 was still a first-class weapon but was rapidly being overtaken by Allied designs. The new aircraft had to retain the ability to operate from carrier decks and carry a standard aerial torpedo while offering higher speed and better performance. The prototype flew in 1941, and its most recognisable feature became the fin canted to port, compensating for the torque of the powerful engine.

The B6N1 Model 11 was powered by the Nakajima Mamoru 11 of around 1,870 hp – a modern but troublesome engine that the Navy viewed with reservation, preferring the proven Mitsubishi units. Supply and reliability problems with the Mamoru meant that only a small series of Model 11 machines was completed before production switched to the Model 12 with the Mitsubishi Kasei. Carrier operations brought further difficulties, and early aircraft required a strengthened arrester hook.

The B6N1 reached front-line units at a time when Japanese carrier aviation had already lost the initiative. The type operated both from carrier decks and from shore bases, among others with the 601st Kokutai, and received the Allied reporting name "Jill". Around 1,268 Tenzans of all versions were built; in the final phase of the war most flew from land bases, including on suicide missions.

Original aircraft specifications (B6N1 Model 11):

• Length: 10.87 m
• Wingspan: 14.89 m
• Height: approx. 3.80 m
• Take-off weight: approx. 5,200 kg
• Crew: 3 (pilot, navigator/bombardier, radio operator/gunner)
• Powerplant: Nakajima NK7A Mamoru 11 radial engine of approx. 1,870 hp
• Maximum speed: approx. 465 km/h
• Range: approx. 3,000 km
• Defensive armament: 7.92 mm machine gun in the rear cockpit
• Offensive load: aerial torpedo or bombs up to 800 kg
• Production: approx. 1,268 aircraft of all B6N versions

About the manufacturer – Hobby 2000:

Hobby 2000 is a Polish model company based in Katowice that builds its range around its own themed releases of plastic kits. Each box contains sprues from an established manufacturer – in this case Fujimi sprues from 1983 tooling – combined with the company's own artwork, illustrated assembly instructions and a new decal sheet. The waterslide decals for the brand's kits are printed by Cartograf of Italy, valued in the industry for their thin carrier film and accurate colour registration. Most of the aircraft releases also include self-adhesive masks for the glazing, which makes painting the canopy frames considerably easier. Hobby 2000 selects its subjects around specific campaigns, units and pilots, and Polish themes appear regularly in the catalogue. Print runs are limited, so once a release sells out it rarely returns. For the modeller this means access to proven tooling in a boxing with carefully researched markings that are often hard to find elsewhere.