panel lines on the zero (1/48)

Tamiya and Hasegawa both make very nice Zeros. If you want to really get into some self abuse the Hasegawa clear Zero looks nice in the box - I haven't gotten the courage up to try and build it yet.

The Tamiya kits have recessed lines, and they build up into very nice mid-production Model 21s. The new Hasegawa releases are great, and they have the correct parts (cowling and canopy) for even earlier versions, the Model 11. Hasegawa's cockpits are quite a bit nicer.

You really can't go wrong with the Hasegawa Zeke family of kits. Decals of the instruments are printed as "dials only." These fit beautifully, and conform to the surface detail of the panel. There is also a decal for the ring on the gunsight. The fit of the entire kit is great. They offer the entire A6M series. The only Zeke of theirs to avoid is the old tool type 52. It has raised lines, cannon barrels molded to the upper wings, and a simplified cockpit. About the only thing you need to add to the Hasegawa kits are belts. But there are some aircraft that had them removed, as the pilots felt they were "uncomfortable."
I can't recommend the Hasegawa more highly. I think you'll enjoy it.

Pixilator, where on earth did you get the idea that IJN pilots would have the harnesses removed from their fighters? I could buy their flying without parachutes, but absolutely nobody would fly without seat belts.

While were talking about the "Zeke", I just purchased the 1/48 Tamiya A6M2 (21) for a steal at a craft store. This will be my first Tamiya kit. I too would like to build a Pearl scheme but am unclear on the correct FS color for the exterior. The instruction sheet says light gray? As a matter of fact, the instructions are very vague on all needed colors. What's "blue-green clear"? Any suggestions would be appreciated.

hey johnwayne,
try polly scale paints which do exact matches for IJN colours, both interior and exterior;
also take a look for aftermarket decals like the ones i got from eagle strike:
www.eaglestrikeproductions.com/cgi-bin/espdecals.pl?scale=48&setid=109&dbs=eaglestrike&pgs=2&currpg=1&dclimg=es48109
they do a series of 4 i think...
hope this helps
nick