**** DONE: GB-59 1/72 Mitsubishi A6M5 Zero - WW2 PTO V
- Thread starter PlasticHero
- Start date
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Vic Balshaw
Major General
Dang that looks good. 
A4K
Brigadier General
That would be my guess too.
IIRC, the strips on the wheel bay covers indicated the deflection of the oleos.
Crimea_River
Marshal
Me three. There typically are charge points to fill liquid into the oleos if they have leaked an unacceptable amount of oil.
Nicely done so far!
fubar57
General
The stripes were a weight indicator for fuel and armament if I can recall. It's been a long time since I posted the answer on another thread
fubar57
General
From j-aircraft.com….
Both Mitsubishi and Nakajima painted stripes on the outer side of the center landing gear strut cover. As weight was added to an airplane the compression of the oleos caused these markings to be progressively covered up. Mitsubishi painted three of these stripes, red, yellow and blue from top to bottom, while Nakajima only applied two of them, a red stripe painted on top of a blue stripe of double the width
Both Mitsubishi and Nakajima painted stripes on the outer side of the center landing gear strut cover. As weight was added to an airplane the compression of the oleos caused these markings to be progressively covered up. Mitsubishi painted three of these stripes, red, yellow and blue from top to bottom, while Nakajima only applied two of them, a red stripe painted on top of a blue stripe of double the width
- Thread starter
- #68
PlasticHero
Senior Airman
Got it. The gear door is two parts at that point. Seems like a really clever way to check quickly for weight. The build is done but it's night here so no photos. I'm also time committed over the next several days so it will be Saturday (or Sunday) till I can post photos. I'll do all the done and finished posting then. Again, a thanks to all who looked, commented, and guided me on this project.
A4K
Brigadier General
Looking forward to the pics mate.
Vic Balshaw
Major General
Me too but no pressure. 
- Thread starter
- #71
PlasticHero
Senior Airman
This is very different from any other build that I have done. If I ever do another build like this, I'll be sure to do the "peeled paint" with less obvious straight edges. The kit is excellent, Tamiya strikes a good balance between detail, part count, and price.
Vic Balshaw
Major General
One very beat-up beast.
le_steph40
Chief Master Sergeant
Niiiiice
Viking1066
Chief Master Sergeant
Good work!
