Hasegawa 1/32 A6M5c Zero
Weathering patterns of Japanese WWII aircraft fascinated me more than the aircraft themselves. However, due to the scarcity and low quality of photographs from that era, it is very difficult for me to nail the core of a weathered surface pattern. This means that projects do not come out as you may expect.
The Hasegawa 1/32 Zero is a good example. I presented here 3 kits of which one is the new tool. The original kit that appeared in the late '70s is accurate in outlines and has convincing raised panel lines. However, the engine cowling is lacking details and is incorrect for this particular variant. I therefore, replaced one engine cowling with the Tamiya equivalent. The newly tooled Zero is a delightful build, but the recessed panel lines are not suited for a 1/32 model. During the building process, I had an unexpected blunder. The decals would not settle. By the time I understood that I came across a very unusual situation, it was too late. I used strong solvents to force the decals to settle.
I then, changed my approach to the building process and made it an ongoing project. Every now and then when I get inspired by an online build, I fix the decals a bit and change the weathering schemes.
The main lesson is not to try weathering patterns on 1/32 Japanese WWII model aircraft.
Some complicated-but-subtle paintwork in there. Very nice job. Those low-angle shots definitely evoke the real thing.
Thank you Tim
My colour blindness often hides subtle weathering techniques but they look like fine models, Ravi.
Thank you kindly George
excellent result Rafi! your subtle weathering is way more effective than you give yourself credit for!
Thank you David!
Wonderful result, Rafi!
Thank you Spiros!
Nice work, Rafi. I like Japanese planes but honestly haven’t built a Zero since I was a kid. Thanks for the inspiration.
Thank you John
Wonderful, love your weathering techniques. Worn without being overdone.
I do, however, have one question: You stated :"recessed panel lines are not suited for a 1/32 model."
Could this be a typo? If not, can you please elaborate?
Thank you Aaron.
The 1/32nd scale is big enough to include both engraved or raised details similar to the real aircraft. Tamiya does that in their newer 1/32nd models. Eduard managed to do the same in recent 1/48th scale aircraft models.
Nice work - they all have a nice distressed look to them. Well done!
Thank you Greg