Nakajima B5N2 ‘Kate’

Airfix 1/72 scale

Reviewed by Rafe Morrissey

Airfix's 1/72 scale Kate will be available online from Squadron.com

Airfix continues to expand its modern catalog with new tool versions of kits.  They have recently come forward with the B5N2’ Kate,’ famous for its role in the attack on Pearl Harbor.

These new kits are welcome additions and offer superior details, greater accuracy and a low price point that allows younger modelers to actually afford the kits, just like we grownups could when we were kids.  Gone are the raised rivets that festooned most of the early Airfix kits.  In their place are crisp recessed details that compare favorably to Hasegawa and Tamiya.

Details, Details, Details

Upon opening the box, one is immediately impressed by the level of detail included in the kit.  The parts are rendered with finesse and crisp panel line detail that while not quite the sharpness of Tamiya and Hasegawa, are very nice and represent a consistent improvement from earlier efforts by Airfix. 

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Closer examination reveals that in addition to the nice molding, Airfix has included a number of detail options and clever engineering that surpasses the other manufacturers.  The cockpit detail is impressive and combines detail molded in the fuselage halves and lower wing with interior parts to present the most complete interior of any kit in this scale. 

The only downside is that Airfix persists in utilizing decals rather than providing raised detail for the instrument panels.  That said, having used these decals in their F4F Wildcat, they look just fine with careful application.

Another plus is the provision of parts to allow for folding the wings, also a first in this scale.  Doing so will require some careful cutting but clear cut lines are present in the inner wing surfaces.  All of the control surfaces are separate which is a nice bonus that sets the kit apart from its competitors.

Airfix is also generous in the variety and amount of ordinance options including a torpedo, two different size bomb options for the centerline and a multiple bomb rack allowing the modeler to arm the Kate in a variety of configurations.

Finally, several different canopy options are provided including a clever ‘nested’ design that depicts multiple sliding canopy sections in the open position in a single piece. 

Given the substantial interior detail, it will be well worth opening the canopies, especially if Eduard comes out with a color zoom set!

Airfix’s new Kate sets a new standard for this important aircraft.  The kits accuracy combined with a high level of detail and a number of options make this a great offering at a very reasonable price.  Highly recommended!

Purchased by reviewer.

Text and Images Copyright © 2016 by Rafe Morrissey
Page Created 3 March, 2016
Last updated 4 March, 2016

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