Tamiya 60738 - 1:72 Aichi M6A1-K Nanzan

Plastic model kit of the Aichi M6A1-K Nanzan in 1:72 scale

Tamiya 60738 depicts the Aichi M6A1-K Nanzan (Seiran Kai) – the land-based trainer version of the remarkable Seiran floatplane. To ease pilot training, a few aircraft dispensed with the floats in favour of a conventional retractable wheeled undercarriage. The Nanzan is one of the rarest modelling subjects – only two were actually built.

The model is built from Tamiya tooling supplemented with new parts specific to the land version, chiefly the retractable wheeled undercarriage. The decals let you finish the aircraft in one of two schemes: overall red-orange, or Imperial Japanese Navy dark green over a red-orange underside.

What's in the box:

• Plastic sprues with fuselage, wing and tail parts
• New land-version parts, including the conventional retractable wheeled undercarriage
• Clear parts for the long canopy
• Waterslide decal sheet for 2 marking options
• Illustrated assembly instructions

Model specifications:

• Scale: 1:72
• Item number: 60738
• Manufacturer: Tamiya
• Assembled length: approx. 160 mm, wingspan: approx. 170 mm
• Skill level: beginner/intermediate

Note: glue, paints and modelling tools are not included. The model is intended for self-assembly.

Building the model:

As a Tamiya-tooled kit it offers good parts fit and approachable assembly. The main work is carefully reproducing the retractable wheeled undercarriage and painting the elaborate, multi-framed canopy – self-adhesive masks are helpful here.

The prototype scheme was overall red-orange; the second combines Imperial Japanese Navy dark green (e.g. Tamiya XF-11 J.N. Green) on the upper surfaces with a red-orange underside. Lay the decals over a gloss coat to avoid silvering, then finish with a satin varnish. The instructions provide Tamiya paint references.

Tools you'll need:

• Modelling nippers for removing parts from the sprues
• Hobby knife or scalpel
• Files and sandpaper for cleaning up sprue-gate marks
• Plastic cement (e.g. Tamiya Extra Thin Cement)
• Brushes of various sizes and modelling paints (acrylic or enamel)
• Panel-line wash to emphasise detail and recesses
• Gloss varnish for the decals and a satin coat to finish
• Optional: self-adhesive canopy masks

About the aircraft – Aichi M6A1-K Nanzan:

The Nanzan (Japanese for 'southern mountain') was created as a land-based trainer version of the Seiran floatplane. To prepare crews for the demanding service aboard the I-400 class submarines, a few aircraft were rebuilt with the floats replaced by a conventional retractable wheeled undercarriage, allowing operations from land airfields.

This version shared the airframe and the liquid-cooled inverted-vee engine with the Seiran. Owing to Japan's deteriorating war situation, only two Nanzan were built, making it one of the rarest subjects among the injection kits of major manufacturers.

Original aircraft specifications (Aichi M6A1-K Nanzan):

• Wingspan: 12.26 m
• Powerplant: Aichi Atsuta inverted-vee engine (liquid-cooled), approx. 1,400 hp
• Undercarriage: conventional, retractable, wheeled (land version)
• Crew: 2
• Production: 2 aircraft (converted from M6A)

About the manufacturer – Tamiya:

Tamiya Corporation is a Japanese model company founded in 1946 in Shizuoka, regarded as the heart of Japan's model-making industry. It launched its first injection-moulded plastic kit in 1960 and soon set a global benchmark for quality thanks to precise tooling and excellent parts fit. Tamiya's own-tooled kits are popular with beginners and experienced modellers alike, combining accurate detail with thoughtfully engineered, enjoyable assembly. Beyond plastic kits in many scales, the company offers a full range of accessories: paints, glues, tools and brushes. Tamiya operates in dozens of countries and remains one of the most recognisable brands in the hobby.