Mitsubishi A6M2b Zero Fighter Zeke

[MadDaddy]

This is my first group build, been looking forward to this. I just got back into scale modeling a couple years ago. I've finished 3 models since then, not very prolific but I have fun. This is Tamiya's 1/72 kit #25170 new tool from 2014. I got a little work done today cut out and cleaned all the parts for steps 1 through 3 and got a few things glued together. I'll start priming and painting the parts sometime this weekend probably Sunday, too much other stuff going on.

Here is the box


This is the contents


This is the first sprue


This is the second sprue


Engine cowling


Clear parts


Decals


Historical info


Supplemental painting guide


Instructions




















Part of cockpit assembled


Parts for steps 1 through 3 ready for priming and painting


These last two pictures were from my cell phone, seems to be much better than my camera, I'll be using it from now on.

Thanks,
Garry

[rodrant]

Very nice choice!
You wong regret to start in this beauty!The Fit is wonderfull ,the build is just easy and makes a nice addition to everyone shelf!
Good luck with your build!

[MadDaddy]

I've heard a lot of good things about this kit, thanks for the encouragement.

[mincemeat]

Have fun with this, I may have to seriously consider a 1/72 model now.

[Brasko]

I can't wait to see this done. I'm guessing based on the instructions this is a very detailed kit!

[MadDaddy]

Yes it is very detailed for 1/72.
Sorry I've been under the weather this week, should be getting back at it this weekend.

Garry

[Les]

I like the look of this kit; the parts seem to be pretty clean as well as detailed. I look forward to your next update!

[MadDaddy]

Well I finally got some time to work on this. My modeling club, Wright Field Scale Modelers, had their annual retreat over the weekend, didn't get to go as long as I had planned but did get to attend Friday and Saturday a little, I'll post a few pictures from that elsewhere in the forum.
I've decided to try out this AK Interactives WW2 IJN Aircraft Colours set for a lot of it. I've not used them before, but have heard good things about their paint.


I primed all the parts with Vallejo's light grey primer.




I painted the interior of the fuselage and cockpit parts with M3 (M) Mitsubishi Interior Green AK2067.




I painted the wheel well areas and other part of the wings with H63 Aqueous Hobby Color metallic blue green.


That's about it for now, I'll update soon.

[qeialto]

Very nice choice mate, I assembled this kit last year and in my modest opinion is far the best and easy kit to assemble I've done so far. Be a bit careful with the decals, a bit rigid and thick in my view.
Have fun!!!

[heel]

Looks good nice job on the paint

[MadDaddy]

Thanks all! I'll watch out for those decals.

[MadDaddy]

Thanks all! I'll watch out for those decals.

[MadDaddy]

I managed to get a little more done with the cockpit glued most of it together and got some painting done, still have chipping, drybrushing, some detail, and then the decals for control panel and seat belts.







I'll see what I can get done this weekend.

[MadDaddy]

Well I finally got a little more done, had a few family issues, but back at it now.
Dry brushed and did a little chipping.


Then did a wash.


And put on some decals for the instrument panel and seat belts. Had a little trouble with the instrument panel decals on the right side, they just disintegrated on me. I did manage to save a couple of them. I think I played with them too much.




And glued on these two black things (don't know what they are) on the sides of the instrument panel.

[Aliktren]

looks great!

[Goose]

Hello,

Nice job so far, just a little thing

if it's still possible, without breaking the dashboard, you should drill the holes on the seat.

See you

Goose

[Nige201980]

Cockpit is looking excellent mate. Looking forward to the rest of your build.

[JediBoer]

Looks like an awesome 1/48 kit again from Tamiya. i would love to get my hands on the 1/32 version. Great job on the cockpit!

[panzerman]

Sweet looking cockpit. Nice job painting it up. Too bad there's no pilot figure. Keep having fun.
Bill.

[Aliktren]

looks great, good job on the weathering!

[mincemeat]

I believe those two little black things in the cockpit are the butt ends of the machine guns that go all the way through the engine cowling. Great work on this!

[Homerlovesbeer]

Nice job! I hope my Zero cockpit ends up looking this good

[MadDaddy]

Hello,

Nice job so far, just a little thing

if it's still possible, without breaking the dashboard, you should drill the holes on the seat.

See you

Goose

Yea, kinda hard to do now, but it would have been good idea.

Thanks, Garry

[MadDaddy]

Finally got a chance to get back at working on this, and have got a little more done. I've been concentrating on my Viper Mk VII trying to get it done by this coming Friday for a show, things should speed up from here on out.
Finished cockpit detail on inside of fuselage, using the same detail/drybrush/wash methods and got fuselage glued together, I'm cleaning up the seam lines now, not really much to do just a little filler where I got a little over zealous cleaning up attachment points.....




I'll post again soon.

[MadDaddy]

I believe those two little black things in the cockpit are the butt ends of the machine guns that go all the way through the engine cowling. Great work on this!

Didn't really think about it, but I'd say you're right.