Hasegawa 1/48 
Mitsubishi F1M2 Type Zero Obs. Seaplane 
Reviewed April 1, 2015
by Timothy Dike
Throughout WWII, the IJN used seaplane tenders – early aircraft carriers – to discreetly dispatch airplanes for long-range recon missions. The float equipped, highly favored F1M2 was frequently sent out from IJN tenders, because of its incredible versatility. Its many uses included maritime patrol, convoy escort, anti-submarine aircraft and bomber. In all, 1,118 F1M float planes were built between 1936 and 1944.

Hasegawa has released this limited edition kit of this important aircraft. I'm far from an aircraft expert so I will keep my comments simple as we look at what's in-the-box.
SPRUE A
The first sprue includes the two fuselage sides and outer floats. The engine insert and cockpit floor are also included.
Click images
to enlarge
Zero-A
Zero-Aa Zero-Ab Zero-Ac Zero-Ad Zero-Ae
SPRUE B
The lower and rear wings are included here. These parts are nicely molded with realistic surface detailing. Zero-B
Zero-Ba Zero-Bb Zero-Bc Zero-Bd Zero-Be
SPRUE C
Upper wings have the same nice molding with recessed panel lines.  Zero-C
Zero-Ca Zero-Cb Zero-Cc Zero-Cd
SPRUE D
The main float is molded as an upper and lower half on this sprue. The cockpit interior is very detailed with finely molded parts. Zero-D
Zero-Da Zero-Db Zero-Dc Zero-Dd Zero-De
SPRUE E
There are actually several sprues here, but I didn't separate them. They feature engine narcels, cockpit seats and details. Zero-E
Zero-Ea Zero-Eb Zero-Ec Zero-Ed Zero-Ee
Zero-Ef Zero-Eg Zero-Eh Zero-Ei
SPRUE L
This sprue includes the dolly for handing the aircraft on land as well as more interior details. One of the M sprues shown below was attached. Zero-L
Zero-La Zero-Lb Zero-Lc
Zero-Ld Zero-Le Zero-Lf
SPRUE M x2
Dolly wheels and bomb load are included here.  Zero-M
Zero-Ma Zero-Mb Zero-Mc Zero-Md
SPRUE N
Clear glass for an early and late version are included.  Zero-N
Zero-Na Zero-Nb Zero-Nc Zero-Nd Zero-Ne
SPRUE P
The standard propeller retainers are included.  Zero-P
DECALS
Colorful markings are provided for an aircraft of the IJN 934th NFG, Code: 34-001 based on Ambon Island in March 1944. Zero-Decal-01
INSTRUCTIONS
Ten well illustrated pages show parts, markings and easy to follow instructions.
Zero-Page-01 Zero-Page-02 Zero-Page-03 Zero-Page-04 Zero-Page-05
Zero-Page-06 Zero-Page-07 Zero-Page-08 Zero-Page-09 Zero-Page-10

A nicely detailed kit of this common seaplane, all that's missing is a nice 1/48 IJN Cruiser to mount it on. Thanks to Hobbico Model Distributors for the review sample. It is listed as kit #HSGS7397 1/48 Mitsubishi F1M2 Type Zero Obs. Seaplane with a list price of $42.99.

Hobbico is the exclusive US importer for Hasegawa. Locate the nearest hobby shop to carry their products using the online Dealer locator.


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