Nakajima C6N1 Carrier Recon. Plane Saiun

This kit took concentration as the instructions call for parts from all the different segments, moving from one to the other and back again. One will spend time trying to bring the parts together. I had trouble putting the fuselage together due to the three cockpit parts having to line up so closely. The clear cockpit parts did not fit well so I guess I didn't get the fuselage correct. There are tiny parts to the engine assembly and I put some on wrong having to remove and start over. After spending time on the engine, most of my work was covered up after putting on the cowling. Remember what I said about concentration? As I was applying the decals I noticed that I put the landing gear on backwards! Can't remove those and start over without breaking them. Oh well, I'm not entering a judging; I do this for enjoyment. This is a quality kit so those who like detail will like this one.

This was definitely a good kit of the C6N1 by Hasegawa. It usually is not a surprise to see how well models by Hasegawa go together, and this one is no exception. Directions were clear, parts looked nicely formed, and the detail was quite nice. With this kit you get to make a very detailed interior with many parts for the inside. Personally, I would say leaving the canopy open is a must to display all the parts inside. There are two different versions to make with the included decals, if I remember correctly. And, as for the decals, they were brittle and tore easily, so us caution. Also, be aware this is a recon plane, so no weapons of any kind come included. Over all, I'd say this kit is pretty nice and will be enjoyable for anyone looking for a plane used by the Japanese during WWII.

This kit has an amazing amount of detail. I wish it came with pilot figures and seatbelt decals though, (I added three of each). I chose to use the fully enclosed cockpit because I felt it displayed more of the interior than the open one, with the stacking sections. Fit was good. Very little filler needed. Instructions could be improved--you need to keep looking ahead to see where and how some parts will fit. But if you take your time, you will get a model you can be proud of. I decided to do it as the last plane shot down in WWII--a C6N1 shot down by Lt. Cmdr T.H. Reidy, of VBF 83, over Tokyo at 0540 August 15, 1945. Five minutes later the war was officially over, so my diorama has the three most unlucky fliers in the IJN Air Service on deck posing in front of their C6N1.