1/48 Hasegawa A6M2 Type 21 Pearl Harbor Attacker
This kit gave me some problems with the fit at the lower wing to firewall joint (large step) and apparent mould misalignment at the tail. I intended to finish this in time for the 80th Anniversary of Pearl Harbor, but I was late in starting and long in finishing. The model replicates one of the Zeros that crashed during the attack, piloted by PO 1c Takeshi Hirano (or I guess Hirano Takeshi, according to the Japanese way). Paints were a combination of AK RC (with a custom mix for the olive grey) and Mr Color. All markings were designed and cut by myself. Weathering was kept to a minimum, but was added as I doubt the planes were spotless.
Fabulous build and finish Woody!
Superb looking Zero, Woody @wkubacki
Great result on the selfmade markings as well.
Another fantastic model, Woody! Everyting on it looks perfect!
Well done!
Looks great, Woody (@wkubacki). Paint and markings are well done.
Beautiful model. What color is the cowling? It looks like it has a tint of blue. Thanks.
Hi David @thevid, you are correct, the Japanese Army and Navy air forces used a blue-black paint for anti glare on cowlings and upper fuselages. The paint I used was Mr Color Cowling Color C125, but there also is AK Acrylic 11895 and MRP-432 (I really wish I had access to the MRP paint up here in Canada).
I've attached a photo of a wrecked A6M3 at Munda, and you can see how the cowling has weathered and revealed more of the blue in the paint.
1 attached image. Click to enlarge.
Really nice build and subtle weathering - looks fantastic!
Nicely done, Woody!
Wonderful build! The subtle weathering is spot on (pun unintended haha).