Zero “Zeke” in 1/32 scale

June 28, 2024 · in Aviation · · 12 · 312

This is my 27th build of the year, the scale Zeke by . I had high expectations for this kit, sure looks good in the box! Not one of Tamiyas best, not great engineering, ejection marks on almost every piece, confusing instructions and just overall not great. But in the end you can create a beautiful model.

This build was over 100 hours to build, mostly in paint and weathering.

All that matters is my client is thrilled, which makes it all worth it!

Reader reactions:
9  Awesome 2  1 

36 additional images. Click to enlarge.


12 responses

  1. Excellent Zero, Rick!

  2. Great work, Rick - a victory of skill, talen and persistence over plastic -but when I did that model back in 2004, that was the beginning of my loss of love for Tamiya. Once youi start paying attention to that man behind the curtain, it turns out that "nice fit" and "accuracy" are two different things. Outside of the Corsairs, I've been unimpressed with everything since (haven't done the F-4 or F-14, they're "not in my wheelhouse").

  3. Can’t agree more! I was in the camp that if it had Tamiya on the box that it must be great, after building professionally for the past few years I’ve come to discover that they are not the best.

  4. I remember having no trouble at all with this kit. Some complained about the "moving features" but they engineered them in beautifully. I was expecting trouble with the engine mounting but even with my added oil lines and ignition wires, everything fell right into place. Cockpit was great, skin detail superb, IMHO one of the best 1/32's out there.

  5. An impressive looking Zero, Rick @rickschad
    Weathering and interior detailing are amazing.

  6. Beautiful scale model, Rick @rickschad! 👏 Man, that is a gorgeous cockpit! 🤩

  7. Wow - that one is a looker! Nicely done!

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