Now then Big Kev,
The A6M 'Zero' due to its long service closely parallels that of the Spitfire and Bf109.
All three started out as low wing monoplanes with two blade props, engines of around 700 to 800hp and were progressively upgraded with engines of nearly double the originals power, props, armament and wings. Mark numbers for all three also suffered a degree of chronological disorder.
The A6M3 model 0 type 32, a development of the A6M2b model 0 type 21 with a more powerful Sakae 21engine, reduced wingspan with clipped tips, and upgraded Type 99 canons. These modifications while increasing speed reduced alerion response and more importantly significantly reduced the range, critical for the long distances involved in the Pacific.
The A6M3 model 0 type 22 was the response to deficiencies of the type 32 and developed from it. Wingspan was increased with rounded folding tips, although some late production type 22s were fitted type 52 shorter span rounded tip wings, just to confuse us. Fuel tanks and drop tank attachment points were incorporated in the new wings.
Having sorted out the vagaries of the various types I found out yesterday that the particular aircraft I'm building was a composite restored to flyable condition by Japanese technicians at Rabul. Initially damaged during an Allied bombing raid on the airfield it was 'abandoned' in the perimeter jungle. In late 1944 getting desperate for serviceable aircraft the Japanese used a number salvaged parts to repair it. So I have a type 22 with a Sakae 12 engine, an A6M2b spinner and type 32 wheels.