Tamiya 1/32 A6M2 Zero

This was my second try at the big Zero from Tamiya. And I have to tell you, this is one of my favorite models. The cockpit sure looks complicated in all of its parts but they all fit together so nicely and the parts breakdown allows for easy painting and a wash. In fact, the only tricky part to this build is the installation of the cockpit into the completed fuselage (from beneath) but even that is easy if you take your time. This kit is an improvement over the earlier A6M5 because the dorsal spine is a separate part with far better rivet detail.

Painting was done with the specific Tamiya acrylic colour (XF-76 IJN Grey) straight from the bottle. I did this a while ago when I was just getting into Japanese planes. I think this colour is a wee bit too green and if I were to do it again, I would use an AK paint that better matches the early war Zero colour.

Most of the markings were painted on. Yes, this does involve some time consuming masking but with careful painting you will get results that no decals can do. That said, I did use Yellowhammer Decals for the numbers. They were a joy to work with: thin, they slip off the paper easily and react well to Microset and Microsol.

If you are interested in some thoughts on this particular Zero I have a write up here: http://modelairplanemaker.com/2018/10/16/tamiyas-1-32-a6m2-zero/

3 additional images. Click to enlarge.