I finished Classic Airframes' 1/48 Mitsubishi A5M "Claude" today. This is the nicest limited run kit I've had the pleasure to build. While it takes a bit more work to build than a mainstream kit, it sure doesn't LOOK like it was done with low-quality molds. I really like this kit !

Using pics I found on the web, I added support arms from the engine to the cowling. The resin telescopic gunsight was drilled out at either end, and Krystal Kleer was used for the lenses. The fronts of the prop blades were painted with Alcad polished aluminum. I lost the tailwheel, so I pilfered one from the old Hasegawa A6M kit (with the raised lines).

The finish is Alcad aluminum over a primer coat of Future. Gunze clear yellow was mixed with Future, and sprayed over the aluminum. These aircraft were said to have a "golden" color, perhaps because of a clear varnish that yellowed. Whatever the case, I like the way it looks.

Here's my finished Claude ! I hope you like it, too.





Spitfire fans, you gotta like these wings !







This kit is still available, so there will probably be more on my shelf one day. Thanks for letting me share the build with you !

Awesome job Bill! That paint job is excellent!

Very nice replica of a forgotten fighter for the most part. I especially like how the tinted future turned out. Well done sir.

Brian

Thanks Monte and bf443 !

This kit was a LOT of fun to build ! I have to get a couple more now, since any other aircraft next to it appears dull.

I took a quick shot of the Claude with it's successor, the A6M Zeke. The Zeke was a small aircraft, and the Claude is even smaller. The A6M is a Hasegawa kit, with Verlinden wingtips, rudder, and flaps.


Thanks again !

Awsome Bill, certainly is different.
What did you use to make the support arms on the engine?
Mal