There, I got it. Thanks, folks.  A problem with this Monogram Zero is the same problem I had with the Monogram 1/72 DO17Z.  The fit down the back is depressed and the whole seam requires putty but the sanding removes the detail.  Next time I will assemble the model before priming.  The cockpit is just on for pre-fit purposes.

Thanks,  I taped the edges and use liquid mask in the small spots.  I probably should be priming after assembly  but at this point it's not knowing better.  Come to think of it I will have to do some sanding which will take off some primer.  

Can't say as I've ever used primer until I was ready to paint everything after it was all together. Seems that you would have to scrape away a lot of primer where the glue would need to go.

The build is looking great, though. Hope that you have an easy time with the build.

I've seen some builds posted here and on you tube that show primer after the body is assembled and there may be an advantage because the postings are by experienced builders.  The thought that comes to mind is the airbrush used on the finish one of the high end ones with excellent control over the nozzle.

Thanks, might as well get my feet wet.

interesting. i usually prime after everything is together but that will change with some of my builds next year due to complicated chassis and cutouts. i will expand my comfort zone and do a plane, aka target. i think there was an FSM beginners supplement that used this kit for a how to build.

and join the GB but continue to post in a/c too. GBs are a lot of fun.

Hey looks great so far!

Btw: yeah, the photo posting system here can be a little hard to figure out at first. And sometimes I doesn't seem to want to work, though maybe it's my browser, I really don't know.

Btw again: You're welcome to join our Japanese Group Build IV over on the Group Build section of the forum if you'd like, of course if you'd rather build in peace and quiet it's cool to see you work here too!

Thanks Bick!  Nothing new here.  Tamiya Surface primer spray can.  The green yellow caterpillar is the canopy glass.  So far I do not tape the canopy and cut along the lines for the mask.  I start with the lines in one direction, and paint as needed, start with the lines in the other direction, etc.  When I hold the canopy to the light and see no light shining through it's done.  I don't use a primer on the canopy.  The thickness of the taped may not allow the primer to be covered by the final coat.  

I checked out FSM and some other sources and will use Tamiya XF-76 for the bottom surfaces and XF-70 for the top. Also,  I have an Hasegawa #1070, 1/32 A6M5, so the Monogram here is practice for the future and the hinomaru is a good place to start for masking you own decals which is a possibility here.  

VN750

In Photobucket, click on an image in your library, it will show full size on screen, to the right there are several options. Click on 'direct link' - it will change to 'copied' which means the link is now on your clipboard. Go to FSM and the fora where you want to post, use rich formatting and click on the little screen icon (insert picture) - a popup willl appear, place your cursor in the box, hit "control + V" and the link will be inserted in the box then click 'insert' and your done. HTH

I've been posting photos for years and have no idea what is required by finescale to get a photo on board.  I have gotten the photos before but now photos will not post.  Even when I got them posted they were a PITA to get done.   I'm posting through photobucket but nada.

?