1/72 A6M8 Zero Fighter Type 54/64

Description

This is an aircraft model kit assembled from parts made of wood, white metal, photo-etched metal and possibly other materials.

Hasegawa’s nice 1/72 A6M8 Zero Fighter Type 52 kit with markings and Resin cowl and metal propeller to make the Type 54 which was an attempt to address the performance problems of the Type 52. The engine was replaced with a Mitsubishi Kinsei Model 62 which resulted in a heavily modified and lengthened cowling. The carburetor duct was enlarged and a larger propeller and spinner were mounted. The wings were modified to accept drop tanks so the centerline position could carry a 500kg bomb. The type never entered production before the ending of hostilities.

Markings for two aircraft – the first (see box art) is the Second prototype. The other is a speculative scheme based on an assumption of an aircraft in service with the Yokosuka Air Corps.