Hasegawa QG30 (72130) Akagi Aircraft Japanese Navy Carrier-Based Aircraft Set 1/350

The Hasegawa QG30 (72130) Akagi Aircraft Japanese Navy Carrier-Based Aircraft Set 1/350 is a high-quality offering for modelers passionate about naval warfare and carrier aviation from the Second World War. The set is intended for building a squadron of carrier-based aircraft that served on the famous Akagi aircraft carrier – a vessel of the Imperial Japanese Navy, responsible among others for the attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941.

• Model scale: 1/350
• User country: Japan
• Era: World War II (service years of the included aircraft: 1937–1945)
• Category: plastic model kit
• Material: high-quality, precisely injection-molded plastic
• Extra contents: models feature intricately replicated armament elements – bombs and torpedoes (armament options available for B5N2 Type 97 aircraft).

The set comprises models of the following aircraft:

1. 3 x A6M2b Type 21 "Zero" – iconic Japanese carrier-based fighters, widely used by the Navy Air Force in the early years of the war. Famous for their remarkable maneuverability, they were feared by the Allies during the Pacific campaign.
2. 6 x B5N2 Type 97 "Kate" – primary torpedo bombers that played a key role in numerous naval operations, including the attack on Pearl Harbor, and during the battles of the Coral Sea and Midway. The option to mount bombs or torpedoes allows flexible adaptation of the model to the desired historical scenario.
3. 3 x D3A1 Type 99 "Val" – dive bombers that were the first to attack Allied ships during the Pacific conflict. They were extremely dangerous to surface vessels and earned a reputation as highly effective strike aircraft.

The models are designed with an emphasis on accurately replicating construction details and armament, something appreciated especially by experienced ship and aviation modelers in 1/350 scale. The set is recommended for anyone wishing to enhance their Akagi aircraft carrier deck model, as well as for collectors of miniature World War II aircraft.

The build difficulty is rated at 3 on a 1–5 scale. The parts are small and require precise assembly and basic modeling skills, but thanks to the high quality of workmanship and clear instructions – both intermediate and advanced hobbyists will be able to complete the kit without issues. Neither glue nor paints are included – it is recommended to use dedicated model-making products for the best end results.

I recommend the Hasegawa QG30 (72130) to both ship enthusiasts and all fans of military aviation history. It is an excellent choice for anyone who wants to recreate the realities of Pacific naval battles in their modeling workshop.