Mitsubishi A6M2 Zero

having started a Rufe, it seemed logical to make a Zero while I was at it

I have previously added a few Tamiya A6’s to the stash, and while they are nice (and cheap) kits, they have a few shortcomings, like raised panel-lines. The new offerings from eduard simply are loaded with surfacedetail. When I got the Rufe going (check it out here: https://imodeler.com/groups/the-empire-of-japan-1919-1946/forum/topic/nakajima-a6m2-n-type-2-tamiya-1-48/) I also got this one launched, and a friendly fellow iModeler suggested to get this one its own home here.

One thing to address as walt did in his rufe is the openings in front of the firewall.

next up (has been done – just catching up here) some primer and tape removed

A great entry and great progress, my friend @airbum!
Looks like a nice, solid kit.
P.S. Oh, my! Yet another non-109... from the 109-man... 🙂

Thank you folks - @fiveten and @johnb. I did make a lame connection between the zero-family and the 109 over in the rufe build - at least that is my story, and I will stick to it 🙂

As for other non-109's the nanzan has a DB engine, just like the 109's, and more connections just like these can be made on other airplanes, so watch this space for future weird connections. . . .

Thinning of the cowling flaps does look indeed much better, Erik @airbum
To be honost, I cannot think of a reason why a Zero would have its seat placed slightly higher, or is it because of the gunsight?

@johnb and @fiveten, thanks for the observation on the cowlflaps.

The seats are indeed adjustable in the Zero and the Rufe (as in almost every aircraft built), but why do you think the Rufe is in the relatively low and the Zero in the relatively high position? I know it is a bit cryptical, but I can tell that the thinking behind them both in this instance is that they have landed and are handed over to maintenance - as usual, nothing special - for preparation for their next flight.

Hope this explanation may help? (did I mention I like these AM resin seats a lot - quite a difference)

@johnb, @fiveten and @lgardner, thank you for all the comments. To clarify, the seat on a Zero will be in the high position for take-off and landing to enable the pilot to look out the windows as it is a taildragger. The Rufe on the other hand sits level when taxiing and a lot of water will enter an open cockpit, so really there is no need to sit up high. It is a possibility though, and as people tend to be of different height some may want it lower than others to simply stay clear of the hood.

Adjusting for taxi.

As mentioned I have placed the seat a bit high in the Zero

as I build a Rufe at the same time, here you have a few pictures of that one being dryassembled.

whereas the zero taxi and sit with the tail low, and to enable some vision the seat is high

next up I hope to get some subassemblies done perhaps some assembly and perhaps even more priming? Tune in to check!

Loved all the "tail height" details, my friend @airbum!

Never seen this way of 'rivetting' before, Erik @airbum
Looking forward to the outcome after removing the film.