1/700 Battle of Malaya Set - (x2) G3M2 \'Nell\' & G4M1 \'Betty\'- 75th Commemorative
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1/700 Battle of Malaya Set - (x2) G3M2 \'Nell\' & G4M1 \'Betty\'- 75th Commemorative:
$20.99
.We\'re offering here a set of threebeautifully detailed1/700 scale models of the Japanese aircraft that took part in the Naval Battle off Malaya, the sinking of Force Z.Force Zwas the code name for the Royal Navy\'s ships thatsailed from Singapore on 8 December 1941 in an attempt to intercept a Japanese convoy bound for the invasion of Malaya. Itconsisted of the battleship HMS Prince of Wales, battlecruiser HMS Repulse and 4 destroyers. Unfortunately, the aircraft carrier, HMS Indomitable, which was to provide air cover for the British force, had run aground in the Caribbean and was unable to participate. Still, no capital ship had ever been sunk in open waters by aircraft up to this point in history and Admiral Sir Tom Phillips believed that he would be operating far enough from land that he would be relatively immune from air attack and, if such an attack came, that his shipswould be able to effectively defend themselves since theypossessed such advanced naval anti-aircraft systems. This was all to change when a Japanese air strike force of 34 G3M2 \'Nells\' equipped as high level bombers, 25 as torpedo bombers and 26 G4M1 \'Bettys\' carrying torpedos found Force Z and launched determined air attacks on 10 December 1941. The British ships fought bravely but in the end were overwhelmed and both Prince of Wales and Repulse were sunk that day. Prime Minister Winston Churchill said that, \"In all the war, I never received a more direct shock...\"
The 3-piece \'mission\' set offered here actually includes 3different models - (x1) all-new Mitsubishi G4M1 \'Betty\' bombermodel complete with a torpedo (detail photos #3-6)and(x2) Mitsubishi G3M2 Model 23 \'Nell\' bombers, including one withbombs under the fuselage(photo #7) and one with a torpedo (photo #8-9). These models replicate the Japanese aircraft of the Ghenzan, Kanoya and Mihoro air groups and the payloads they carried in this historic operation.Interestingly, Tamiya included models of the G4M1 and G3M2 in their very fine 1/700 Prince of Wales kit and they actually included some torpedos which could be added to the aircraft models although only externally (and inaccurately) to the \'Betty\' model which has closed bomb bay doors. The wingspan of their Betty model was also too large (see photo #12). There were no bomb option offered for the \'Nells\'.We think that the 3D models offered here easily exceed the quality of the Tamiya models but we\'ve posted some high resolution photos so you can judge for yourself.While photography of these little gems is a challenge for our equipment and limited skills, check out the well proportioned models with great details like the G4M1 Betty model which features the glazed nose, canopy, dorsal and waist gun blisters, tail gun position, the torpedo and the distinctive \'broken back\' appearance created by the removal of the bomb bay doors; the wings with engine nacelles and control surfaces and even the tiny tail wheel. Aircraft profiles and camouFlage notes are included along with a Mission Card that provides an overview of the operation.
Although the surfaces are not perfectly smooth (3D printing is done in layers), the plastic used can be sanded and painted much the same way you would handle resin or styrene. The models may still have some powder and oil-like agent on them that needs to be removed by washing in warm water with a drop of detergent in it. While the landing gear of these models is represented in the retracted in-flight position, it should be fairly straight forward to add photo etch parts for \"gear down\" renditions of all three aircraft, perfect for a Saigon or Tu Duam air base diorama.
These outstanding G4M1 and G3M2 models should be a welcome addition to any WW2 wargamer\'s or 1/700 modeler\'s collection, particularly those interested in the historic 1941 aircraft versus capital ships encounter that occurred 75 years ago today. Please take a look at the other 1/700 scale aircraft models that we have on sale as well. We\'re always happy to combine shipping for multiple purchases to save whenever possible. Please don\'t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions whatsoever.
1/700 Battle of Malaya Set - (x2) G3M2 \'Nell\' & G4M1 \'Betty\'- 75th Commemorative:
$20.99