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Alistair Gauld
112 articles

Eduard 1/48 Mitsubishi A6M2 Zero Type 21

November 8, 2022 · in Aviation · · 28 · 0.8K

I can't recommend this kit highly enough.
I only had to use smears of filler in a couple of places and that was probably down to operator error.

Primed with Tamiya Neutral Grey.
Painted with Mission Models Mitsubishi Interior Green, Anti-Glare Blue Black WWII Cowl, AK Real Colors IJN J3 Amber Grey, Mr. Color IJN Red (IJN Roundel), Tamiya Nato Black, Flat Aluminium Rubber Black, Flat White, Clear Red, Clear Blue, Dark Iron, Gun Metal, Xttreme Metals Polished Aluminium, ColourCoats Propeller Brown and Light Blue
Washed with Flory Dark Dirt, Citadel Agrax Earthshade and Seraphim Sepia.
Oils used Rowney Graduate Burnt Sienna and Abteilung 502 Starship Filth
Finished with Windsor & Newton Satin Varnish and Alclad Aqua Gloss.

Thanks for looking,
Cheers,
Alistair

Reader reactions:
16  Awesome

10 additional images. Click to enlarge.


28 responses

  1. Built to perfection, Alistair @alistairfgauld
    The detailing, painting and weathering is superb.
    Definitely one that is still on my wishlist.

  2. Superb result Alistair !
    Cheers

  3. The usual Alistair Gauld masterpiece,
    to the form of a superb looking Zero.
    Well done, Alistair!

  4. So how many extra airbrushes did you have to buy to meet MMP's standards of what should be done with their paint? You've gotten a great result, but my experience with it was I don't like paint that claims to be smarter than me.

    You're absolutely right that this kit is thoroughly outstanding. I don't see how anyone who follows the instructions can fail to get a result they'll love. The engineering and kit design is just outstanding. And you brought it all together just perfectly.

    • Thanks so much Tom,
      I bought the Mission Model Paint for an Airfix Zero I built for my Nephew a couple of years ago and didn't like it at all.
      This time I thinned it with UMP Universal thinners and it was better.
      Still not brilliant but they were the only paints I had that were the right colours.
      I had to deep clean the airbrush after every use of the Mission Models and certainly wasn't letting it near my H&S.

      The kit, as you say, is just wonderfully engineered and a pleasure to build.

      Cheers,
      Alistair

      • That's very close to my experience, only you didn't buy $80 worth of paint. Fortunately, my guys at the LHS were happy to take back all but one for store credit.

  5. Nice job, Alistair.

  6. Good looking Zero Alistair, well done.

  7. Well done, Alistair (@alistairgauld). The model and paint are perfect. I think MMP is one of those love it or hate it affairs. I have friends who swear by MMP, and I have other friends who have chucked it out in the yard. It looks like you have conquered its idiosyncrasies. Cheers

    • Yes, "love it or hate it." I never disliked a bottle of paint as much as that one I opened. In fact, I've never disliked a bottle of paint before, so it stands alone in its achievement.

    • Thanks very much.
      I won't be using the MMP again unless I positively absolutely have to.
      It just didn't work for me. Luckily it was only the interior green and the engine cowling that I had to use it for.

      Cheers,
      Alistair

  8. Your problems with the paint aside, it looks like you’ve cracked it with this Zero, Alastair.

  9. Outstanding build Alistair, great looking Zero!

  10. Wow, this is super beautiful! Truly a masterpiece!

  11. That's one beautiful Zero!

  12. Great Zero, Alistair. Intuition told me to avoid MMP. You’re the third person to confirm that.

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