Tamiya 1:72 Zero

Looks great! One of my all time favorite planes to build...and who says zero's can't multiply

RadMax8

Hi Don,

Looks great! What kind of demarcation line did you end up going with? I’m building the same plane in 1/48 and I chose to do the soft demarcation on my Nakajima-built example. 

Excellent work in a scale I want nothing to do with haha!

 

I went with a soft line.  Folded back the edge of the masking tape.

1943Mike

Don,

Question: Do you think you'll use the Tamiya acrylics again? They are my standard paints. I rarely have trouble spraying them. There are some colors that do not - for me - brush paint very well, but that is probably due to my lack of talent with a brush. I'm strictly an acrylics paint guy. Even though I have a mask and decent ventilation with my paint booth, I hate wearing a mask and prefer shooting acrylic paints. I'm now experimenting with other brands of acrylics for metallic colors but Tamiya remains my go to paint.

 

Probably the main reason I don't use acrylics as my goto paint is that I often need a gloss finish (for cars and airliners).  I find it hard to get a good gloss with acrylics without going to a glosscoat, and on many subjects that just is too shiny.  Enamel gives me a realistic gloss.

I don't like using two types of paint.  This 80 year old makes too many brainfades, like the jar of acrylics I just tried to use two days ago, because it was the only paint I could find as the right color.  Poored enamel thinner into jar!  Ruined it.

Hi Don,

Looks great! What kind of demarcation line did you end up going with? I’m building the same plane in 1/48 and I chose to do the soft demarcation on my Nakajima-built example. 

Excellent work in a scale I want nothing to do with haha!

Don,

I have a cataract in my left eye. I haven't noticed it though - the optometrist I see for my annual check up and glasses said it's really very minor. Lately however I'm beginning to think there may be a slightly hazy section projected on my retina. I'll be paying more attention to my vision as my February check up nears.

All the above is just to say that I admire your having had the surgery and am pleased that its success has gotten you back in stride. (Not that you ever were off stride!)

I certainly can't do the work you're doing now on 1/72 scale. And I'd never attempt 1/700 scale ships. Those tiny parts tip the balance for me from pleasure to frustration ... just not worth the display space for me. I'll just toss the finished kits (rotate the latest to my shelves .. oldest into the trash) for which I no longer have room.

I rarely look at threads dealing with scales that I don't have the ability to build but, since you're a model builder I admire, I thought I'd take a gander. Your build so far amazes me! I am in awe of your ability to contruct this kit so well at this small a scale.

Question: Do you think you'll use the Tamiya acrylics again? They are my standard paints. I rarely have trouble spraying them. There are some colors that do not - for me - brush paint very well, but that is probably due to my lack of talent with a brush. I'm strictly an acrylics paint guy. Even though I have a mask and decent ventilation with my paint booth, I hate wearing a mask and prefer shooting acrylic paints. I'm now experimenting with other brands of acrylics for metallic colors but Tamiya remains my go to paint.

Very nice I have the 1/48th scale version waiting in the wings (no pun intended). Work is on hold while I recover from hernia repair surgery. I would like to try a 1/72 scale but I don't think the old eyes would cooperate with me on that scale. 

Okay, got it painted and decaled.

Got gear and gear doors on, plus wing cannons.  Waiting now for canopy masks to come in mail.  Also working on a base- I think 1:72 and smaller planes display better on a base.

Got the wings on and a coat of primer.  I did just a slight touchup on the fuselage seam on the turtledeck, and I don't see any need for filling anywhere.  Have the gray and dark green mixed up and ready to paint.  Have engine and cowl ready to go.

Now I have a question for you guys that know WWII Japanese aircraft (I have only built one other in past forty years).  Were the color seperation lines sharp or soft?

I agree with the others, Don. Outstanding work on that cockpit, especially in 1/72 scale.

Got the fuselage halves together, and windscreen in place.  Rear portion of canopy is just held on with poster tack and masking tape.  I intend to use the open canopy option.  I masked the rear canopy just in case I screw up the open-option one.  Wings are glued and clamped, hope to have wings on later today.

Pawel

Hello!

Nice work on that cockpit, Don!

It's not everyday that you see so much detail in the cockpit out of the box. I believe Tamiya is scaling down their 1:48 designs and that's why (among other things) why they 1/72 models look so nice. Trumpeter also tried that trick.

Good luck with your builds and have a nice day

Paweł

 

Actually, there is an Eduard PE set too, with most of the PE in the cockpit :-)  I am not sure the kit really needs it, but adding it is in line with my new philosophy as I mention in another post.

keavdog

Lot's of detail in 1/72 scale Don.   Admire your eyes and dexterity!

 

 

keavdog

Lot's of detail in 1/72 scale Don.   Admire your eyes and dexterity!

 

 

I had given up on small scale for awhile (eyes and fingers).  Then, I got catarract surgery, and that fixed my eyes.  Then, I decided move it or lose it was real, so I decided to go back to small scale. Plus, I am completely out of display space!  I am now forgoing 350 scale ships, too, and going to 1:700.

Hello!

Nice work on that cockpit, Don!

It's not everyday that you see so much detail in the cockpit out of the box. I believe Tamiya is scaling down their 1:48 designs and that's why (among other things) why they 1/72 models look so nice. Trumpeter also tried that trick.

Good luck with your builds and have a nice day

Paweł

That is a lot of 1/72 detail!

Lot's of detail in 1/72 scale Don.   Admire your eyes and dexterity!

I swear, it looks just as detailed as a 1/48 zero pit.

IMG_2152 by Christopher Ridle, on Flickr