Before I started my A6M3 type 22 build, I was working on this, but after some frustrations I put it aside. Now that I'm almost done the type 22, I decided to revisit this model, as I always want to finish every, or rather most, kits that I start. I decided to build his as an early type 52, with no cannon fairings and old style droptank, and one built by Nakajima. I have acquired the MRP paints and I wanted to use them (well, for the exterior anyways). I also wanted to build a fairly clean plane, so I decided on the kit's 3 over 320-85, of the 652 Ku based on the Junyo in 1944. There is one surviving photo of this plane (the tail) and although there is some question as to whether this photo was taken in home waters, I chose to use the kit markings (also something out of the normal for me).

As usual, the kit was started with the cockpit. I added some plumbing and with Ryan Toews' help, I modified the kit parts to fit an early type 52 (ie removal of the tailhook rotation lever and cutting off the fire extinguisher control box)

4 attached images. Click to enlarge.

For the undersides, I used Mr Surfacer 1000 Mahogany as a black basing base to better match the final colour. Various shades of tan and brown were mottled on and then MRP 429 Nakajima J3 SP was sprayed on over the entire surface (undersides of ailerons and elevators as at this point these were not a different colour). And then I had a look... not good. Nakajima had a darker version of J3 SP but as far as I can tell, by the time of the A6M5, it matched more closely Mitsubishi's version of amber grey.

I also believe from colour photos and from j-aircraft/relics, that Nakajima didn't have a neutral grey version of J3 SP, although some photos do show a greyer shade, so I sprayed a the Mitsubishi J3 SP instead. 2 steps forward, 1 step back. I did not spray any aluminum or red oxide primer as there would be no wear on the fuselage.

You will also notice that I received a new cardboard box for my spraybooth, haha. Its actually from a new vent hood fan to replace the one that broke over the holidays.

7 attached images. Click to enlarge.

What a superb entry, my friend @wkubacki!
And what great progress!
As always with your builds, looks are splendid.
Looking forward to it!

Now on to the markings. As usual I scan in the decals and instructions from the kit to use to create masks in CAD. Fortunately, Ryan Toews recently posted in the A6M FB group regarding type 52 hinomaru size and locations and the differences between Nakajima and Mitsubishi. For the upper hinomaru on Nakajima built Zeros, the with ring surround is 30mm, much thinner than the regulation 75mm width Mitsubishi applied. Nakajima also moved the hinomaru a bit further forward, so that they would not have to paint the cover for the aileron control hinge. Both hinomaru were enlarged from the A6M3 (900mm) to 1170mm. I wonder if this was a detriment to Zero pilots?

From the photo of this plane, the white surrounds were painted over. This was generally done with a dark green paint, but since it was hand brushed, it appeared darker than the dark green on the fuselage. I mimiced this by mixing in some flat black with the D1 paint.

8 attached images. Click to enlarge.

Next up I painted the tail numbers, the cowl (MRP 432), cowl "85" and cowl MG alignment lines. The spinner and propeller were painted with MRP 431 propeller colour. Its a bit more reddish mahogany compared to the Mr Color paint, but with a bit of flat clear it doesn't look too bad. I will probably use a combination of these paints for future builds. I also sprayed some flat clear on the cowling as Nakajima had a flatter finish than Mitsubishi.

Yellow wing IFF bands were painted (thinner but longer than their Mitsubishi counterparts), exhaust was painted, and wing walk lines were painted, although the latter are too thick to my eye and will need some correction.

Well that's where the build is as of now. I will need to fix the no walk lines and then proceed with the stencil decals (using the A6M2 set from Eduard). I did notice that the upper portion of the oil cooler that is attached to the lower wing does not fit well and causes a step from the cowl to the oil cooler. I will probably saw that part off and just glue the oil cooler on. Oh Tamiya, you are supposed to be better than this.

9 attached images. Click to enlarge.

Looking better and better, my friend @wkubacki!
Yes, you may find mismatch even at a Tamiya!

Nice job on repositioning the cooler intake, my friend @wkubacki!

Wasn’t too happy with the width of the no walk lines above the flaps so I narrowed the fore and Inboard lines. Still a little wide overall but I will have to play with my mask model to get them perfect

1 attached image. Click to enlarge.