Japanses Nakajima B5N2 Kate (1:72 Scale)

DETAILS

First flying in January 1937, The Nakajima B5N Kate is a Japanese carrier-based Torpedo Bomber developed by the Nakajima Aircraft Company from 1937-1942.

Although the B5N was substantially faster and more capable than its Allied counterparts, the American Douglas TBD Devastator, and the British Fairey Swordfish and Fairey Albacore torpedo biplanes, it was nearing obsolescence by 1941. Nevertheless, the B5N operated throughout the whole war, due to the delayed development of its successor, the B6N. In the early part of the Pacific War, flown by well-trained IJN aircrews and as part of well-coordinated attacks, the B5N achieved particular successes at the battles of Pearl Harbor, Coral Sea, Midway, and Santa Cruz Islands.

The B5N2 was given a much more powerful engine - Nakajimas own Sakae Model 11, 14-cylinder twin-row radial, as used in the initial models of the Mitsubishi A6M fighter, and various modifications were made to streamline it. Although its performance was only marginally better, and its weaknesses remained un-remedied, this version replaced the B5N1 in production and service from 1939. It was this version that would be used by the Navy in the attack on Pearl Harbor. Apart from this raid, the greatest successes of the B5N2 were the key roles it played in sinking the United States Navy aircraft carriers Lexington and Hornet, and the disabling of the Yorktown.

This kit represents the Nakajima B5N2 Kate in 1941 & 1944 Imperial Japanese Navy colours & includes IJN decals.

This kit comes in moulded grey plastic. Construction & Painting is required

We recommend the use of Deluxe Plastic Kit Glue when building this kit

Specifications

Paints

Humbrol Paints required to complete this kit

• Option 1 (IJN 1941)
• No.33 Black
• No.40 Pale Grey
• No.56 Aluminium
• No.85 Coal Black
• No.98 Chocolate
• No.116 US Dark Green
• No.168 Hemp


• Option 2 (IJN 1944)
• No.33 Black
• No.40 Pale Grey
• No.56 Aluminium
• No.85 Coal Black
• No.98 Chocolate
• No.148 Radome Tan
• No.168 Hemp
• No.195 Dark Green