Scale: 1/72
Kit Number: 7A-C5
Price: $7.50
Media: Injected plastic
Decals: Two versions
Date of Review: 26 December 1997
The D4Y Judy was designed to replace the D3A 'Val' on Japanese carriers. Unfortunately, by the time it reached service, most JN carriers were at the bottom of the sea. Nonetheless, the D4A was a beautifully designed and quite rapic aircraft. The initial production planes were built with water-cooled inline engines (copies of Daimler Benz DB601s). The D4Y2 used more reliable aircooled radial engines. Most were operated from land bases and were somewhat successful when there was no Allied air defenses.
The Fujimi kit is quite well molded with engraved panel lines and good fitting parts. The interior is rather sparse, but can be made to look good. The canopy is especially thin so care needs to be taken to prevent it from cracking. No real fit problems were encountered during construction so this kit can be well built by all but the raw beginner. I used kit decals and Gunze Sangyo paints to finish this kit.
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