parsifal
Colonel
Username: Parsifal (Michael)
Category: Intermediate
Scale: 1/72
Manufacturer: Airfix Mitsubishi A6M2b"Zero"
Aftermarket addons: None at this stage
I had originally not intended to submit an entry for GB38. However, with my "Unofficial build of HMAS Sydney awaiting the arrival of some AM parts, I have reversed that decision. This will necessarily be a very basic build OOB and f0llowing instructions as much as possible…
We are all familiar with the story of the Zero. At the time of its introduction it was a record making aircraft, a carrier based fighter, with performance superior to its likely opponents. This was unprecedented at the time. That the aircraft was Japanese was of world shattering significance. Possessed with adequate firepower, very long range and exceptional handling, its weaknesses remained hidden for some time.
For the first 6 months of the war, it seemed ubiquitous and unstoppable, but gradually tactics and numbers brought the victorious run of this fighter to an end. But it fought on doggedly.
The A6M5b represented a major overhaul of the basic Zero design in an attempt to bridge the gap between it and the latest American designs. Significant design changes included a one meter reduction in the wing span, complete redesign of the engine cowling and the installation of individual thrust type exhaust pipes. The wing cannon armament was changed from drum fed with 100 rpg with a belt fed with 125 rpg. The wing skin was made of a heavier gauge to allow for an increased diving speed. Armour glass was fitted behind the windshield and fuel tanks had automatic fire extinguishers. One of the fuselage mounted 7.7mm machine guns was replaced with a 13.2mm machine gun.
The 5a and 5b subtypes were meant to be interim types, but ended up being the major production subtypes for the Zero. Something like 5000 were built, and they fought from early 1944 to the end of the war .
my principal reference in this is Willmotts book "Zero". I have quite a few others as well. but its one thing to know the history of a given type, quite another to have the modellers knowledge able to competently undertake the build. Time will tell.
The kit is quite nicely detailed and appears relatively straightforward. There are three sprues and a single decal sheet as well as a clear parts sprue (with only the canopy. The quality of the decals are very good in my opinion, suggesting this is either a fairly new kit, or one that has been updated at some point in recent times. There is a four page instruction booklet with 17 steps. There is just one painting scheme offered, that of the 201st Kokutai, Eastern New Britain
early 1944. as usual, its annoying that the painting instructions are configured exclusively for Humbrol colour charts
.
Category: Intermediate
Scale: 1/72
Manufacturer: Airfix Mitsubishi A6M2b"Zero"
Aftermarket addons: None at this stage
I had originally not intended to submit an entry for GB38. However, with my "Unofficial build of HMAS Sydney awaiting the arrival of some AM parts, I have reversed that decision. This will necessarily be a very basic build OOB and f0llowing instructions as much as possible…
We are all familiar with the story of the Zero. At the time of its introduction it was a record making aircraft, a carrier based fighter, with performance superior to its likely opponents. This was unprecedented at the time. That the aircraft was Japanese was of world shattering significance. Possessed with adequate firepower, very long range and exceptional handling, its weaknesses remained hidden for some time.
For the first 6 months of the war, it seemed ubiquitous and unstoppable, but gradually tactics and numbers brought the victorious run of this fighter to an end. But it fought on doggedly.
The A6M5b represented a major overhaul of the basic Zero design in an attempt to bridge the gap between it and the latest American designs. Significant design changes included a one meter reduction in the wing span, complete redesign of the engine cowling and the installation of individual thrust type exhaust pipes. The wing cannon armament was changed from drum fed with 100 rpg with a belt fed with 125 rpg. The wing skin was made of a heavier gauge to allow for an increased diving speed. Armour glass was fitted behind the windshield and fuel tanks had automatic fire extinguishers. One of the fuselage mounted 7.7mm machine guns was replaced with a 13.2mm machine gun.
The 5a and 5b subtypes were meant to be interim types, but ended up being the major production subtypes for the Zero. Something like 5000 were built, and they fought from early 1944 to the end of the war .
my principal reference in this is Willmotts book "Zero". I have quite a few others as well. but its one thing to know the history of a given type, quite another to have the modellers knowledge able to competently undertake the build. Time will tell.
The kit is quite nicely detailed and appears relatively straightforward. There are three sprues and a single decal sheet as well as a clear parts sprue (with only the canopy. The quality of the decals are very good in my opinion, suggesting this is either a fairly new kit, or one that has been updated at some point in recent times. There is a four page instruction booklet with 17 steps. There is just one painting scheme offered, that of the 201st Kokutai, Eastern New Britain
early 1944. as usual, its annoying that the painting instructions are configured exclusively for Humbrol colour charts
.
