The Mitsubishi A5M Fighter (known as "Claude" to the Allies, and the forerunner of the A6M "Zero") was a classic of 1930s design - monoplane, big radial engine, non retractable landing gear (in spats) and an open cockpit. A competitor to the Boeing P-26 Peashooter and the Polikarpov 1-16, the A5M's WIKI is here.
No-one has yet suggested that the Japanese supplied "Claude" aircraft to any of the factions within the VBCW, but obviously anything is possible in Herefordshire. These three fine pre-made and factory painted 1/72 examples of the A5M fighter recently appeared on Ebay, at the remarkable price of £7.50 each:
While the Claude in "Imperial White/Grey" could only ever be identifiable as a Japanese plane, "re-decaling" either of the two camouflage versions could produce a very useful "classic 1930s" VBCW aircraft at minimal cost and effort. Advertised in 1/72 scale, these A5Ms should have a scale wing span of 6 inches (or 15cm).
The Ebay vendor appears to have a few of these models still for sale, and postage is free! Aspiring VBCW aviators should check out : "Creative Models Limited"
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