Aichi M6A1 Seiran - 1/72 -Tamiya
Kommentarer
FinnBeautiful build. Have one in the stash for ages but never had the nerve to start it. Well done!
JvInteresting info on the plane
I got 2 in the stash
I bought a box of models
Thay were part of what was in the box
I knew nothing about that plane
So thanks for all the information
Album info
The Aichi A6M Seiran was one of the more unique ideas to come out of WWII: a high performance floatplane bomber that could be folded up and transported in a submarine aircraft carrier.
While the idea of using a submarine-launched strike against the Panama Canal dated to before the war, logistical and technical problems caused a long gestation. The special submarines with a hangar for three bombers, and the planes themselves were not operational until the last days of the war. Two I-400 class submarines carrying their Seirans were en route on their first mission to attack the US fleet assembling for the invasion of Japan when the surrender was signed in August 1945.
In all, 28 Seirans were built and represented a pinnacle of the wartime Japanese aviation industry. Powered by a 1400HP license-built copy of the Daimler-Benz DB601, the streamlined floatplane had performance figures on par with most end-of-the-war light attack aircraft. That's quite impressive given the fact that it had pontoons and could be folded up origami-style. Only one Seiran remains, donated by the US Navy to the Smithsonian, it is restored and on display at the National Air & Space Museum Annex.
This 1/72 Tamiya model was a gift I received from a secret Santa in my car club. The last few nights of heatwave-induced insomnia seemed like a good reason to knock out a model and Tamiya kits are always a good choice for a spur of the moment build. They go together beautifully and with little drama. Mine is built out of the box with no add-ons. Paint and weathering were done with a combination of Vallejo and AK brand products.
