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1/48 Tamiya A6M5 Zero, 652nd Fighter Group, June 1944 (Complete)

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42 replies
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  • Member since
    January 2020
  • From: Maryland
Posted by wpwar11 on Sunday, March 14, 2021 9:38 PM

 Really nice.  I think I'll pick up one of these.  I like the fading technique you applied.

  • Member since
    November 2008
  • From: Far Northern CA
Posted by mrmike on Sunday, March 14, 2021 9:34 PM

Outstanding!

  • Member since
    April 2015
Posted by Mopar Madness on Sunday, March 14, 2021 9:26 PM

Oh wow.  She's a beauty Hoss!

Chad

God, Family, Models...

At the plate: 1/48 Airfix Bf109 & 1/35 Tamiya Famo

On deck: Who knows!

  • Member since
    July 2019
Posted by Hoss WA on Sunday, March 14, 2021 8:44 PM

My rendition of A6M5 Zero 320-85/3 from the carrier Junyo during the Battle of the Philippine Sea in June 1944 is now complete. 

Since the last update, decals were applied followed by another gloss coat, a Flory wash of dark dirt, a couple coats of Dullcote and final weathering and assembly. 

I will likely avoid decanting Tamiya rattle cans in the future and instead opt for Mr. Color or MRP versions of the colors. Perhaps it was my technique, pressure or thinner ratio, but I couldn't get a smooth finish with this paint. As a result, I applied a 2nd gloss coat for decals, when I usually only apply one. Unfortunately I created some pooling and other lumps and blobs that needed to get sanded out. 

And I didn't listen...The Tamiya kit decals are too thick for my taste but for some reason I went with them. I'll mask or use aftermarket decals in the future. 

All in all, I'm happy with the result. This machine has a real menacing look -- what a beast. Enjoy the photos and thanks for looking. 

 

  • Member since
    July 2019
Posted by Hoss WA on Monday, March 8, 2021 9:09 PM

The main build is now complete along with the main painting. No issues to speak of with the build. Perfect fit and minimal cleanup. I can see why people love this kit. 

Mr. Finishing Surfacer was applied as the primer. Tamiya AS-2 (IJN Light gray) for the underside and AS-21 (IJN Dark Green 2) for the topside were applied after decanting from the rattle cans. Plenty of fading and shading was also applied. The topside photo below shows the fading and shading before blending with a thin coat of the base color. 

 

The Aotake metallic blue-green was painted with Tamiya paints per the call outs and really pops.

 

A couple of coats of Tamiya X-22 and MCLT and it's ready for decals. 

 

 

  • Member since
    July 2019
Posted by Hoss WA on Friday, March 5, 2021 8:59 PM

lawdog114

Nice!  I'm building their newer tooled A6M3 now.  These are some of Tamiya's best.  I wish they'd retool the Model 21 with these molds.  I like your seat belts.  Are those photoetch?

 

Thanks. I'm impressed with the kit so far - perfect fit and excellent detail. Thanks on the seatbelts -- they are photoetch from Tamiya's "detail up" kit for the Zero. 

  • Member since
    February 2012
  • From: Olmsted Township, Ohio
Posted by lawdog114 on Monday, March 1, 2021 8:07 PM

Nice!  I'm building their newer tooled A6M3 now.  These are some of Tamiya's best.  I wish they'd retool the Model 21 with these molds.  I like your seat belts.  Are those photoetch?

 "Can you fly this plane and land it?...Surely you can't be serious....I am serious, and don't call me Shirley"

 

 

 

 

  • Member since
    July 2019
Posted by Hoss WA on Sunday, February 28, 2021 6:16 PM

crown r n7

looking good on a real nice kit.

 

Thanks crown -- much appreciated. 

  • Member since
    July 2019
Posted by Hoss WA on Sunday, February 28, 2021 6:15 PM

DM1975

Nice work on the cockpi! I have this one in my build pile too. Can't wait to see how it turns out!

 

Thanks DM1975!

  • Member since
    July 2019
Posted by Hoss WA on Sunday, February 28, 2021 6:15 PM

cbaltrin

Looking good. The learning about what you are building a replica of is the part of the hobby that I like the most... ever go to j-aircraft.com?

 

Thanks cbaltrin. Agreed. Thanks for the j-aircraft reference. I'll check it out. 

  • Member since
    August 2015
  • From: the redlands Fl
Posted by crown r n7 on Saturday, February 27, 2021 6:52 AM

looking good on a real nice kit.

 

 

 Nick.

  • Member since
    December 2020
  • From: Kansas
Posted by DM1975 on Friday, February 26, 2021 10:16 PM

Nice work on the cockpi! I have this one in my build pile too. Can't wait to see how it turns out!

  • Member since
    May 2004
  • From: Land of Lakes
Posted by cbaltrin on Friday, February 26, 2021 9:44 PM

Looking good. The learning about what you are building a replica of is the part of the hobby that I like the most... ever go to j-aircraft.com?

On the Bench: Too Much

  • Member since
    July 2019
1/48 Tamiya A6M5 Zero, 652nd Fighter Group, June 1944 (Complete)
Posted by Hoss WA on Friday, February 26, 2021 9:29 PM

I've really been looking forward to building the Tamiya A6M5 1/48 kit and just started it. It's wonderful so far. This is my first Japanese subject build. I'm also posting updates in the Japanese GB section. 

I've chosen 320-85 from the 652 FG on the carrier Junyo during the Marianas Turkey Shoot in June 1944. 

The planes in the photo actually look in pretty good shape, so I won't be going hog wild on the paint chipping and weathering. 

I'm using mostly Tamiya paints and learning much about Zeros along the way. Just finished the office. Fuselage and engine are next. 

Tags: 1/48 , A6M5 , Mitsubishi , Tamiya , Zero
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