Hobby 2000 72086 - 1:72 Aichi E16A1 Zuiun Early

Aichi E16A1 Zuiun Early – 1:72 Scale Plastic Model Kit

Hobby 2000 72086 presents the Japanese Aichi E16A1 Zuiun floatplane in its early production configuration. Developed as a reconnaissance aircraft capable of dive-bombing missions, the Zuiun combined scouting duties with offensive capability. The kit accurately captures the aircraft’s distinctive layout with a central float and two stabilizing wing floats.

Inside the box:

• Plastic parts for assembly
• Detailed cockpit components
• External equipment and armament parts
• Decals for selected marking options
• Assembly instructions
• The model includes Fujimi frames, Cartograf decals, and glazing masks.

Model technical data:

• Scale: 1:72
• Model length: approx. 14.6 cm
• Manufacturer: Hobby 2000
• Skill level: Intermediate

Note: The kit does not include glue, paints, or modeling tools. Assembly is required.

Assembly:

Assembly involves removing parts from sprues, cleaning them, and carefully aligning components before gluing. Particular care should be taken when installing the floats to ensure proper symmetry and alignment. After construction, the model should be painted according to the chosen historical scheme.

Required tools:

• Hobby knife or sprue cutters
• Files and/or sanding paper
• Brushes
• Plastic cement
• Paint set suitable for Japanese WWII aircraft
• Optional cyanoacrylate glue (for metal or resin parts)

Original aircraft technical data:

• Length: approx. 10.83 m → model: approx. 14.6 cm
• Wingspan: approx. 12.81 m
• Crew: 2
• Engine: 1 × Mitsubishi Kinsei 62
• Armament: machine guns and bombs

About the Aichi E16A1 Zuiun:

The Aichi E16A1 “Zuiun” was one of the most advanced Japanese reconnaissance floatplanes developed in the later stages of World War II. Designed to replace earlier floatplane types, it combined reconnaissance capability with dive-bombing performance. The aircraft operated from heavy warships of the Imperial Japanese Navy and from coastal bases, carrying out scouting and strike missions. Early production examples differed in equipment and certain structural details compared to later variants.

About Hobby 2000:

Hobby 2000 offers aircraft and military vehicle model kits in various scales, often based on proven tooling enhanced with new decal options and marking schemes. The brand is appreciated by modelers interested in historical aviation subjects.