Hasegawa 02473 Kawanishi H8K2 Type 2 Flying Boat Model 12 '901st Flying Group' 1/72 is an advanced 1:72 scale plastic model kit that faithfully recreates the legendary Japanese flying boat Kawanishi H8K2 "Emily." This model allows you to build the aircraft used by the 901st Flying Group of the Imperial Japanese Navy, which operated on the Chinese front in 1944 — at the height of World War II. It is an ideal choice for modelers passionate about Japanese aviation and the history of air operations over the Pacific.

• Scale: 1:72
• Manufacturer: Hasegawa
• Catalog number: 02473
• Country of use: Japan (Imperial Japanese Navy)
• Period of use: World War II (1941-1945)
• Category: Plastic model kit
• Material: High-quality plastic; the set includes plastic sprues and detailed decals
• New in set: Decals allowing for the creation of three historical marking versions (KEA-03, KEA-62, KEA-85)

Kawanishi H8K2 Type 2 Model 12 (known as "Emily") was the most powerful long-range Japanese flying boat, equipped with four Mitsubishi Kasei engines. It was renowned for its excellent range, high payload, and effective defensive armament. Aircraft of this type took part in patrol missions, reconnaissance, as well as torpedo and bombing attacks mainly over the Pacific Ocean—they were also used for very risky and daring operations, such as night raids on the Midway Islands and attacks on Allied vessels in the waters of China and the Pacific.

Hasegawa 02473 Model impresses with the precision of its fuselage details, faithfully reproduced crew cockpit, detailed armament, and double floats. The decals allow you to build the model in the markings of three different aircraft from the 901st Flying Group, enhancing the historical appeal of this reissue. The parts fit together well, and the panel lines and armament elements are sharply defined, guaranteeing satisfaction for both aviation history enthusiasts and collectors of models in this scale.

Difficulty level: 4/5 – we recommend this model for experienced modelers who can handle a large number of parts and who value historical fidelity. Assembly requires glue and paints (not included in the kit).

Recommendation: The Hasegawa 02473 Kawanishi H8K2 "Emily" model is an excellent choice for collectors and advanced aviation modeling enthusiasts wishing to enrich their collection with an authentic replica of a Japanese WWII flying boat. It is perfectly suited for thematic dioramas depicting battles over the Pacific and for display in themed collections. The high quality of the sprues and the new decals guarantee satisfaction both during construction and when displaying the finished model.