[lanslide]

I have the following models I will rank from 1 (bad like Forces Of Valor) to 10 (excellent like Eagles International):
P-38 = 8
P-40 = 3
P-47 = 7
P-51 = 5
F4U = 5
F4F = 9
F6F = 8
Hurricane = 7
Spitfire = 7
Bf-109 = 7
Fw-190 = 7
ME-262 = 7
Zero 32 = 4
Rufe = 7
SBD = 8
B-25 = 8
F-86 = 7
Mig 15 = 7
F-4 = 7
F-15 = 7
F-16 = 7
Harrier = 7

[Ara1]

Originally Posted by lanslide

I have the following models I will rank from 1 (bad like Forces Of Valor) to 10 (excellent like Eagles International):
P-38 = 8
P-40 = 3
P-47 = 7
P-51 = 5
F4U = 5
F4F = 9
F6F = 8
Hurricane = 7
Spitfire = 7
Bf-109 = 7
Fw-190 = 7
ME-262 = 7
Zero 32 = 4
Rufe = 7
SBD = 8
B-25 = 8

Thanks Chris, your opinion matters a lot as I'm going to a diecast show this weekend with $140.00 ready to spend.

I own the Hurricane from your list (Tuck version) and would rate it higher than 7 but I don't know the specifics of what you didn't like about yours. You also rate the Rufe a 7 which I would have to see to believe. If there's any hint of landing gear fairings then I would factor that in as well.

The SBD is definitely a must have and I hope to pick one up at the show. Their dash 5 Corsair also looks good in photos so I'd check that out as well.

[lanslide]

Hi Ara1. Please allow a 1 point deviation for my scores (LOL). The Rufe scores a little too high but I really needed it in my collection (I doubt anyone else will ever make it). I agree that the Hurricane deserves a little better than my score. I suppose subjectivity rather than objectivity may have played a small part in my scores. Have fun - and tell us what you bought!

[aeroeng]

Not sure, but I think the rufe had landing gear fairings. See post #15 from below.
B11E069 - Nakajima A6M2-N "Rufe" Floatplane

[Cruver Collecter]

Originally Posted by aeroeng

Not sure, but I think the rufe had landing gear fairings. See post #15 from below.
B11E069 - Nakajima A6M2-N "Rufe" Floatplane

It does and I think it is referred to as beaching gear or dolly.

[Ara1]

I know about the dolly, I'm concerned with the landing gear strut housings from the original fighter. I am sure Nakajima would have removed the landing gear and created a new lower panel for the -N.

I have plans that show this but they aren't from Nakajima

[aeroeng]

Originally Posted by Ara1

I know about the dolly, I'm concerned with the landing gear strut housings from the original fighter. I am sure Nakajima would have removed the landing gear and created a new lower panel for the -N.

I have plans that show this but they aren't from Nakajima

Yeah. I thought you meant the landing gear covers. Hworth18 has some cool photos in the previous post noted that he says show the landing gear covers on the real aircraft. It's hard to see in the photos, but I think they're there (still not 100 percent sure ). I can't find a good/clear photo showing the underside of the wing to see if they made new lower panels or just "covered" the gear areas.

[Ara1]

You'd think Nakajima would have come up with a seaworthy standardized plate for a production run of 200+ machines. Plus it was still early/mid war and the times weren't so tough. And the tail was modified as well...

I'm thinking if I got a Rufe I'd just re-engineer it to the Maru-Mechanic drawings I have. Maybe...

[Cruver Collecter]

From picture I found Rufe does not seem to show any well outlined faired over landing gear covers. From what I have read on it that portion of lower wing was faired over as was tail wheel. Picture I found shows area faired over fairly continous and not like that on FM model which still has destinct outline of standard retracted landing gear doors.



Picture form: www.warbirdsresourcegroup.org - Imperial Japanese Aviation Resource Center - Mitsubishi A6M Zero-Sen

[Ara1]

Thanks CC! Great pic too.