I did some research on the A5M4 whose markings I chose, and am quite sure but not positive that it was on the Zuiho, a light carrier in the 3rd carrier division during the battle of Midway, where it played only a peripheral role, and then was sent to the Aleutians. At that time the Zuiho's complement included 6 A5M's. This would most likely be the last carrier and combat assignment for the A5M, and in contrast to what I have read before that there were no carrier based A5M's after December 7, 1941. The Shoho was also carrying A5M's when she was sunk at the battle of the Coral Sea.
The interior built up easily with lots of detail, although I have done better work on instrument panel decals. The rest of the model had great fit. I painted it with Alclad II ALC 101, interior is Gunze Mr Color 126 Mitsubishi Interior Green, with details done with Tamiya acrylics. Eduard seat belts.
I can't help but think that this airplane would be a really fun sport plane, but unfortunately I don't think any exist. They were used as Kamikaze aircraft in the last part of the war.
![Image](http://goldeneramodel.com/mymodels/a5m/1a5m/0011a5m.jpg)
![Image](http://goldeneramodel.com/mymodels/a5m/1a5m/0061a5m.jpg)
![Image](http://goldeneramodel.com/mymodels/a5m/1a5m/0071a5m.jpg)
![Image](http://goldeneramodel.com/mymodels/a5m/1a5m/0081a5m.jpg)
![Image](http://goldeneramodel.com/mymodels/a5m/1a5m/0111a5m.jpg)
![Image](http://goldeneramodel.com/mymodels/a5m/1a5m/0131a5m.jpg)
![Image](http://goldeneramodel.com/mymodels/a5m/1a5m/0141a5m.jpg)
![Image](http://goldeneramodel.com/mymodels/a5m/1a5m/0151a5m.jpg)
![Image](http://goldeneramodel.com/mymodels/a5m/1a5m/0161a5m.jpg)
![Image](http://goldeneramodel.com/mymodels/a5m/1a5m/0171a5m.jpg)
![Image](http://goldeneramodel.com/mymodels/a5m/1a5m/0191a5m.jpg)
![Image](http://goldeneramodel.com/mymodels/a5m/1a5m/0251a5m.jpg)
With an A6M2 Zero in Saburo Sakai’s markings.
![Image](http://goldeneramodel.com/mymodels/a5m/1a5m/0271a5m.jpg)