Tamiya 1/48 A6M5 Zero or "Zeke"

[strawnobi]

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Well, here is another recently completed project. I realize that its another WWII build. (I promise I will get back to mecha soon) But, I have had this kit sitting on my shelf for 5 years. It is a Tamiya 1/48 A6M5 Zero or Zeke as its nicknamed. It was a Christmas present from one of my Japanese friends the first year I was here in Japan. And, after having so much fun with the Corsair build, I finally decided it was time to give this thing a go.



This was a fun, yet very frustrating and time consuming build. I had a lot of fun painting the figures and cockpit. But when it came time to paint the airplane I ran into some issues mainly from my own stupidity. But, it turned out well in the end. I had a heck of a time with the yellow on the leading edge of the wings. It was supposed to be a decal, but the decals would NOTgo on right because of their strange location and I nearly ruined the thing getting one of them off the wing. I ended up painting it. But, the first time I tried it, I didn't mask far enough and got overspray on the wings. So, I had to fix that. Anyway, to make a long story short, I nearly threw this thing against the wall about 4 or 5 times during the build. But I perservered and I am really satisfied with the outcome.


Needless to say, my apartment was a royal mess upon completion.

It's painted using the paint scheme of the Rabaul fighter group.

I used a number of different weathering techniques with this thing. I used an enamel black wash for just about everything including the figures. I dry brushed the cockpit. The rust on the bottom is some of Tamiya's clay based (make-up style) weathering clays. It worked pretty well.

The canopy was painted with masks that are included in the kit.

The gauges and stuff on the instrument panel are decals.

The base is just a piece of masonite I picked up at a 100 yen shop. I used brass wire for the antenna. But, I couldn't get it taught enough. I'll try something else next time.

All paints were Mr. Hobby and Tamiya. The spinner and engine used Mr. Metal color paints.

Anyway, I hope you guys enjoy this. More Macross coming soon!!!!

[UKguyInUSA]

Nice job mate! I just ordered this kit at the weekend! How did it go together? Any problems apart from the yellow leading edge decals and did you need any filler?

Cheers,

Martin

[strawnobi]

@UKguyinUSA - This kit is a Tamiya kit so, the fit is very good. I did use a little bit of putty at the wing root (this could be done better) and the fuselage seam behind the cockpit to the rudder(it turned out well). There are a number of tiny parts to this kit that would be easy to lose. Otherwise it goes together quite nicely. Also, the decals themselves are Tamiya which can be hit and miss. They are a little thick. Just make sure you got a good gloss coat down before application. I find that Mr. Mark Softer works the best with Tamiya. But, you may have to give it two passes or so to get them to melt correctly. But, they should work.

[UKguyInUSA]

Thanks for responding! Tamiya kits are usually excellent well engineered kits, so I didn't think there'd be any issues. I've just finished building and priming their 1/48 De Havilland Mosquito FB Mk.VI and pre-shaded her at 5.00pm, then, tonight I just air-brushed the underside grey. Tomorrow evening, I'll spray on the upper grey camo color, followed by the olive green on Wednesday. She's been a great kit to build.....but, we'll see what her decals are like later this week, probably Friday evening.

Here's a link to my last Youtube video update:

Cheers,

Martin

[gustavlekstal]

Good stuff! A pleasure to watch

[davidowers]

built this kit before mine didn't come out half as good nice job

[muskegman]

You did an excellent job, looks great

[strawnobi]

Thanks for the kind words gents. The guys here on ISM are the best!!!

[bradsbunker]

Great Zero, love the cockpit detail

[AchtungPanzer]

Awesome set - like for me