1/32 Tamiya Zero A6M5

by Pete Hudson on July 11 2003

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Yes its another big scale Tamiya Zero!  Having just completed this model I can now see why its so popular.  Stunning detail throughout, from the cockpit, a masterpiece in miniature, to the rivet detail on all the surfaces.  I have to confess to being a relative newbie, having not made a model for over 10 years.  I was initially inspired by an article in TMMI of this kit by Marcus Nicholls.  The amazing level of detail I wanted to try and replicate myself.  Then along with the help of ARC and the tips section, I discovered the merits of panel washes, paint chipping and of course Future floor polish.  So armed with a new airbrush and information, off the local model shop to part with 70 pounds!  A bit pricey but I hoped it would be worth it.

Probably the most complete kit I have ever undertaken.  Including rubber tyres, an etched fret, cockpit mask, and even the aerial wire!

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The cockpit has reverse decals for the instruments which look very realistic, all that's needed is a little weathering.

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Pre-shading is a new technique for me, along with using an airbrush, obvious by the 'not so' straight lines!  Fortunately this isn't a problem as the top coat covers most of my mistakes.

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Another first was using Future floor polish, having read in ARC about its magical properties I decided to experiment a little.  So on the underside decals I first used the normal Humbrol Decalset on one side, and on the other I floated the decal in a shallow tray of Future before placing on the model.  Left  to dry for a day, I was impressed with the results.  The decal had pulled down into all of the panel lines and rivets, and it now looks painted on.

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Here are two pictures of the cockpit, one colour, and the other has been a little doctored using Photoshop to age it slightly.

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Now some advice

I vowed before I completed this model I would make a display case, and here it is.  The main reason is to keep the wife away from dusting/breaking the models! 

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When I was taking the pictures for this article in the garden, it was a nice sunny day if a little windy.  I was taking some pics of a Cobra AH1, and whilst  fiddling with the camera, the board I was using as a backdrop was blown over onto the model!!  Squashed like a bug.  I suppose the moral is either choose a still day or even better take the pictures inside!  

Conclusion

Tamiya are to be congratulated on this kit.   I fully intended superdetailing the engine and cockpit but found the kit parts more than adequate.  Easy and straightforward to assemble I enjoyed making the big Zeke.  My model has many flaws but that is down to my inexperience.  It is still unfinished as a few parts are still to be added.  Work in progress I guess. 

Thanks to ARC and happy modelling !

Pete

Photos and text © by Pete Hudson