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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image below to see larger image
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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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images below to see larger images
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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.
Here are two pictures of the
cockpit, one colour, and the other has been a little doctored using Photoshop to
age it slightly.
Click on
images below to see larger images
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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
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