Mitsubishi F1M2 “Pete” by Fujimi

1/72 scale
Kit No. 72050
Retail: $44.00 (aftermarket)
Decals: Three versions – all IJN, for Battles of Marianas, Truk and Leyte Gulf
Comments: Engraved panel lines, detailed cockpit and rear compartment, includes rear machine gun, two 250 kg bombs

History

The Mitsubishi F1M2 was unique among Japanese naval aircraft in that it was the only type in the observation seaplane class to be accepted for quantity production by the Imperial Japanese Navy (IJN). In late 1934, the IJN issued a 10-shi specification for a catapult-launched short-range observation seaplane to replace the Nakajima E8N1 (Type 95 Reconnaissance Seaplane). RFP’s were issued to Aichi, Kawanishi and Mitsubishi.

The first Mitsubishi prototype, designated F1M1 by the IJN, was completed by a design team headed by Joji Hattori and flown in June 1936. Like the Aichi submission, dubbed the AB-3, the F1M1 was powered by an 820 hp Nakajima Hikari 1 nine-cylinder radial engine. The F1M1 was an extremely clean biplane with a central float and two outboard stabilizing floats, and due to Hattori’s efforts to obtain a clean aerodynamic aircraft by reducing the number of interplane struts, its performance was substantially superior to that of the competing Aichi design. Still, the F1M1 had its share of flaws: it suffered from a strong tendency to porpoise in the water, and its in-flight directional stability was poor.

After building four F1M1 prototypes, Mitsubishi redesigned the plane to eradicate the problems documented during the flight test program. The improved F1M2 was powered by an 875 hp Mitsubishi Zuisei 13 fourteen-cylinder radial engine fitted with a cleaner, longer cowling which improved forward visibility. It featured redesigned wings with straight leading edges instead of the elliptical design used on the F1M1. To improve stability the dihedral was increased from 2 to 3 degrees, and vertical fin and rudder areas were respectively increased by 85 and 30 percent. In this form the handling characteristics on the water and in the air improved significantly, and the F1M2 entered production as the Navy Type 0 Observation Seaplane Model 11.

Production of the F1M2 was initially the sole responsibility of Mitsubishi, which built 524. Production would later be undertaken by the Dai-Nijuichi Kaigun Kokusho (21st Naval Air Arsenal) at Sasebo. Highly maneuverable, the F1M2 saw extensive service throughout the war from seaplane tenders, cruisers, battleships, and shore bases.

Despite what looked like an obsolete configuration (an open cockpit biplane with an engine of less than 900 hp), its operations were not limited to reconnaissance, coastal patrol and convoy escort duties. Although its armament was relatively light, consisting of two forward firing 7.7mm machine guns, a flexible rear-mounted 7.7mm machine guna and two 60 kg (132 lb.) bombs, it was successfully operated as a fighter and dive bomber in support of amphibious operations. Its record as a dive bomber resulted in the experimental installation of 250 kg (551 lb.) bomb, but this configuration was never adopted for production. Another modification program led to the conversion of a limited number of F1M2’s into advanced trainers. This aircraft was designated F1M2-K.

The Kit

Fujimi’s Mitsubishi F1M2 is injection molded in gray plastic and consists of 64 parts, including 6 clear parts for the canopy, gun sight, and wing lights. The cockpit and rear gunner’s compartment both feature above average detail in the form of instrument panels bearing raised details, dual control yokes, and separately mounted bucket seats. The kit bears engraved panel lines throughout, and stressed fabric-over-frame effects on the wings and rudder.

The F1M2 includes details such as a forward periscope to be fitted through the windscreen for divebombing attacks, a corresponding window in the ventral surface of the fuselage, and what appear to be two 250 kg bombs mounted on brackets, one on the under side of each wing. A rear machine gun is also included. The engine and airscrew are fairly detailed and the cowling is a single piece with engraved panel lines, so there will be no delay for puttying and sanding with this phase of construction. The collar immediately aft of the cowling is engraved with cooling gills.

Wings and floats all consist of two parts each, and there is a choice of two different types of outrigger floats to be cemented beneath each wingtip. The interplane struts appear to be sufficiently rugged and should present no trouble. Fujimi thoughtfully provides and optional assembly for what is often missing from seaplane kits: a beaching dolly consisting of six parts.

Markings

The kit decals are serviceable but unfortunately a bit yellowed with age. This is obvious only because the white outline of the red Hinomaru — a separate marking from the red circle — and the white tail numbers show a bit of discoloration. Modelers may want to replace them with aftermarket examples.

The kit provides markings for three aircraft. The first was based aboard the IJN battleship Yamato during the Battle of Leyte Gulf in October 1944. The second was based aboard the IJN battleship Musashi at the Battle of Truk Island in January 1944, and the third was based aboard the IJN battleship Nagato during the Battle of the Marianas in June 1944. All aircraft are painted in a scheme of Mitsubishi Green over Imperial Japanese Navy Gray.

Conclusion

This is a fairly detailed kit of the highly effective floatplane spotter aircraft employed by the Imperial Japanese Navy during the latter part of the Second World War. Highly recommended.

Reference

Japanese Aircraft of the Pacific War by R.J. Francillon; Copyright 1970, Putnam & Company; London.