The Aichi D3A (愛知99式艦上爆撃機 Aichi-kyū-kyū-shiki-kanjō-bakugeki-ki^?), Allied reporting name "Val") was a World War II carrier-borne dive bomber of the Imperial Japanese Navy (IJN). It was the primary dive bomber in the Imperial Japanese Navy, and participated in almost all actions, including Pearl Harbor. The Aichi D3A was the first Japanese aircraft to bomb American targets in World War II, commencing with Pearl Harbor and U.S. bases in the Philippines, such as Clark Air Force Base. During the course of the Second World War, the Val dive bomber sank more Allied warships than any other Axis aircraft. The Val was replaced by the Judy mid-war for carrier use, but continued to operate from land bases until the end of the war.

Not surprisingly, Cyber-hobby has produced another boxing of their very nice D3A1 Val dive bomber. This time it is a Midway boxing (the initial boxing was Pearl Harbor). This kit is identical in terms of the plastic provided. There is a small difference in that the wing bombs are not used this time around, though the racks are still installed. Below is a reminder of what comes in the box.

The kit is nicely molded with fine engraved panel lines. I am not that thrilled with the fabric representation on the control surfaces as they seem like something from years gone by, but it is acceptable. I do like that all of the control surfaces are separate, so that those who wish may pose them in a more dynamic manner. There are two canopies available, one in segments to pose open and a one-piece unit. The wing tips can be modeled either up or down as one wishes. For stuff under wings, you have a large centerline bomb and while the two wing mounted bombs are provided, they are not used. The rest of the features are listed below: 

- Highly accurate replica of Type 99 Dive-Bomber includes foldable wings
- Cockpit canopy represented by transparent plastic
- Fully detailed rear cockpit
- Amazing levels of detail on engine
- True-to-scale propeller
- Munitions pylons fitted beneath wings
- Accurate 250lb bombs
- Antenna realistically portrayed
- Pilot's cockpit interior and instrument panel possess fine detail
- Included 4 different markings

Instructions are well done and consist of five steps. Gunze and Model Master paints are referenced. There are four markings options, all of them in IJN Green over IJN Grey. Three of them are from Midway. AI-201 and AI-210 are from the Akagi. EI-208 is from the Shokaku. The fourth option is 35-201 based in the Celebes in 1942. Decals are well done and I have had no issues with Cyber-hobby markings in the past in terms of stick. The red does look a bit on the bright side to me, but perhaps that will tone down once applied. There have been aftermarket sheets available in the past if you want something different.

Though the Fujimi kit is still a nice kit, this one takes things several steps higher with greater detail and more optional features. It is a kit that I am sure you will like.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aichi_D3A

November 2012