I was fortunate to get a look at Eduard's new-tool 1:48 Nakajima Rufe in its initial Dual-Combo release here: 

https://aeroscale.net/news/nakajima-rufe-dual-combo

So, rather than cover a lot of the same ground with this ProfiPACK edition, I'll make this a First Look review and waste no time before getting started on a Full Build to publish soon. Please refer to the link above for close-up shots of some of the details.

As you'd expect, the new release is largely identical to the Dual Combo - just half the parts. What is new, though, is a completely revised choice of colour schemes - including one to inspire and challenge even the most experienced modellers.

Eduard's Rufe arrives in a very attractive top-opening box, with the parts and accessories bagged in re-sealable packets for protection. The review kit had undergone several trips in the mail and was slightly crushed on arrival, but despite that only part had come off its runner, so the packaging did its job well. The kit comprises: 

121 x grey styrene parts (plus 28 not needed)

13 x clear styrene parts (plus 14 not required)

68 x photoetched parts

A sheet of die-cut washi tape painting masks

Decals for 5 x colour schemes

Moulding and detail remains as superb as in the original release, with around 65 styrene and photo-etched parts devoted to a cockpit that will stand up to the closest inspection. The engine is very straightforward at just six parts, but it will pop to life with the addition of ignition wiring (not included).

The centre-line and stabilising floats are neatly handled, and the completed model can be displayed on a well-detailed beaching dolley. Note that you'll need to add weight in the nose of the main float to avoid the Rufe tipping onto its tail.

Instructions & Painting

As with all their ProfiPACK kits, Eduard provide a classy and comprehensive assembly guide, printed in colour on high quality stock. The construction sequence is logical, and colour matches are provided for Gunze Sangyo model paints.

Decals are included for a very attracting quintet of Rufes that offer a nice variety of colour schemes and degrees of weathering:

A. A6M2-N Rufe 1/48 - Kōkūtai 452, Kiska island, Aleutians, early 1943

B. A6M2-N Rufe 1/48 - Seaman 1st class, Takio Maruyama, aviation unit of seaplane tender Kamikawa Maru, Shortland, September 1942

C. A6M2-N Rufe 1/48 - Kōkūtai 802, Faisi-Poporang base, Shortland Islands, February 1943

D. A6M2-N Rufe 1/48 - Takuma Kōkūtai, Takuma base, Japan, 1944

E. A6M2-N Rufe 1/48 - Kashima Kōkūtai, Kashima base, Japan, 1944

The decals look to be very good, with a nicely muted red used for the Hinomarus. As with all the Eduard decals I've examined lately, carrier film is quite prominent. It's very thin and glossy, though, and so long as you take care not to let it flip over on itself, the end result is excellent, with the decals snuggling down beautifully.

A comprehensive set of servicing stencils is included, along with a full-page placement guide.

Conclusion

I'm really looking forward to building Eduard's Rufe. Of course, me being me, the heavily weathered Scheme D is irresistible, and it'll take a bit of pre-planning to figure out how best to tackle it. What's great is that the kit also offers much more straightforward schemes if a weathered look like that isn't your "cup of tea". With its use of photo-etched parts, this ProfiPACK release is aimed at more experienced modellers, but I have no doubt that a Weekend Edition can't be far off for those looking for an easier build.

Item #82219 is available now from Eduard - Price: £23.89

https://www.eduard.com/eduard/a6m2-n-rufe-1-48-1-1.html

Many thanks to Eduard for the review sample.

Please remember, when contacting retailers or manufacturers, to mention that you saw their products highlighted here - on AEROSCALE