Bridlington & Wolds Scale Model Club Forum

Models => Modelling Projects => Topic started by: kiwichappers on January 30, 2021, 10:14:08 PM

Title: An A6M3 type 22 'Zero'
Post by: kiwichappers on January 30, 2021, 10:14:08 PM
I've decided the time has come for something fresh that should be a straight forward build. The box, severely crushed by Amazon's 'careful' packaging and handling lowered the tone of my stash. Therefore if I build the kit the offending box can be recycled, restoring order to the stash.
Title: Re: An A6M3 type 22 'Zero'
Post by: councilman on January 31, 2021, 05:45:17 PM
Great looking fighter the Zero.  Looking forward to this one.
Title: Re: An A6M3 type 22 'Zero'
Post by: cph64 on February 01, 2021, 03:27:53 PM
Being a Hasegawa kit it shouldn't give you as many problems as the car. Relax and enjoy.
Title: Re: An A6M3 type 22 'Zero'
Post by: Bigkev on February 01, 2021, 08:37:00 PM
Hi Kiwichappers,
I always thought the A6M3 was a clipped wing version.
Did the type 22 model retain the rounded wingtips of the A6M2??
I have the Tamiya A6M3 'Hamp' in 1/48 with clipped wings, I will watch your build of the Hasegawa kit, a glean some sage advice from a great modeller.
Cheers,
Bigkev
Title: Re: An A6M3 type 22 'Zero'
Post by: Bigkev on February 02, 2021, 11:27:03 AM
Hi Kiwichappers,
Just to let you know that I have done a little bit of research and found that the model 22 did have rounded wingtips and the clipped wing appeared on the model 32.
See your build and my lack of knowledge encouraged me to do some more research. I am a bit more informed as a result.
Look forward to the build.
Bigkev
Title: Re: An A6M3 type 22 'Zero'
Post by: kiwichappers on February 02, 2021, 11:40:13 AM
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.



Title: Re: An A6M3 type 22 'Zero'
Post by: cph64 on February 02, 2021, 01:00:58 PM
Real life cross kitting, magic!!
Title: Re: An A6M3 type 22 'Zero'
Post by: chriswil42 on February 02, 2021, 02:02:14 PM
The model is going to be quite a mix then?
Title: Re: An A6M3 type 22 'Zero'
Post by: Bigkev on February 02, 2021, 06:33:42 PM
Hi Francis,
Thanks for the comprehensive explanation.
Brilliant to hear that you have actually found out the vagaries of this particular aircraft.
Bigkev
Title: Re: An A6M3 type 22 'Zero'
Post by: Red Lancer on February 04, 2021, 05:57:58 PM
Fantastic aircraft!
No doubt will be a fantastic model!
Title: Re: An A6M3 type 22 'Zero'
Post by: kiwichappers on February 06, 2021, 02:52:37 PM
I've added a little detail to the cockpit since it will be posed open on the final model.
Title: Re: An A6M3 type 22 'Zero'
Post by: MSea on February 06, 2021, 03:06:01 PM
Detail is excellent Francis.
Title: Re: An A6M3 type 22 'Zero'
Post by: chriswil42 on February 07, 2021, 02:40:52 PM
That's a fair bit of detail. Is it 1/48th scale or larger?
Title: Re: An A6M3 type 22 'Zero'
Post by: councilman on February 07, 2021, 05:49:35 PM
Cockpit look excellent. 
Another bit of trivia... I think the Zero had its gun buttons on the throttle lever.
Title: Re: An A6M3 type 22 'Zero'
Post by: MSea on February 07, 2021, 06:38:41 PM
Is that so you could shoot faster Andy ????? hohohoho
Title: Re: An A6M3 type 22 'Zero'
Post by: councilman on February 07, 2021, 06:46:50 PM
Is that so you could shoot faster Andy ????? hohohoho
???
Title: Re: An A6M3 type 22 'Zero'
Post by: zak on February 09, 2021, 09:29:11 AM
Nice work on the cockpit.
Title: Re: An A6M3 type 22 'Zero'
Post by: kiwichappers on February 09, 2021, 04:59:51 PM
Further to my earlier note regarding the Sakae 12 engine believed to have been fitted to this aircraft. Yesterday I received information from the curator of the museum where this plane is now displayed that the engine was in fact a Sakae 21 as included in the kit.

So today I got on with building the kit engine.

Title: Re: An A6M3 type 22 'Zero'
Post by: zak on February 09, 2021, 05:43:35 PM
Great  job.
Title: Re: An A6M3 type 22 'Zero'
Post by: Bigkev on February 09, 2021, 07:46:09 PM
Now, that I like!
Bigkev
Title: Re: An A6M3 type 22 'Zero'
Post by: chriswil42 on February 10, 2021, 10:09:18 AM
Great detail.
Title: Re: An A6M3 type 22 'Zero'
Post by: kiwichappers on February 13, 2021, 05:26:00 PM
Flying surfaces fitted and fared into fuselage and a start made on modifying the undercarriage. Wing navigation lights and canopy to be fitted then it's of to the paint shop.
Title: Re: An A6M3 type 22 'Zero'
Post by: Bigkev on February 14, 2021, 08:05:02 PM
Hi Francis,
Looking good.
Will you try to replicate the worn finish seen on Japanese aircraft at the end of the war?
Watching with interest.
Cheers,
Kevin
 
Title: Re: An A6M3 type 22 'Zero'
Post by: cph64 on February 14, 2021, 08:25:56 PM
It's coming along nicely Francis.
Title: Re: An A6M3 type 22 'Zero'
Post by: kiwichappers on February 15, 2021, 08:33:11 PM
As the one I'm making saw very little action being damaged within days of being delivered to Kara Airfield, Rabul I'm treating the Japanese camouflage as showing little wear. Additionally I'm doing it in the surrender scheme it had when flown from Kara to Bougainville of overall white. To replicate the roughly applied surrender scheme I'm going to attempt a diffusion technique for the first time.
Title: Re: An A6M3 type 22 'Zero'
Post by: Bob C on February 15, 2021, 08:59:48 PM
Fantastic looking cockpit.

Bob c
Title: Re: An A6M3 type 22 'Zero'
Post by: zak on February 16, 2021, 08:45:46 AM
Nice extra detail, the applied white.
Title: Re: An A6M3 type 22 'Zero'
Post by: MSea on February 16, 2021, 10:38:33 AM
Its good to see your model has a FULL background history information with it Francis
Title: Re: An A6M3 type 22 'Zero'
Post by: kiwichappers on February 16, 2021, 05:54:52 PM
Martin that's the seriously abridged history. If you want the full story just ask. Meanwhile I've started on the Japanese camouflage.
Title: Re: An A6M3 type 22 'Zero'
Post by: MSea on February 16, 2021, 06:24:42 PM
Yes please ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: An A6M3 type 22 'Zero'
Post by: chriswil42 on February 17, 2021, 11:06:40 AM
Looks like a nice bronze green.
Title: Re: An A6M3 type 22 'Zero'
Post by: kiwichappers on February 17, 2021, 11:14:50 AM
Yes please ;D ;D ;D

PM sent with notes as they were to big to load here.
Title: Re: An A6M3 type 22 'Zero'
Post by: MSea on February 17, 2021, 12:04:38 PM
Thanks Francis - now going to read them  ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: An A6M3 type 22 'Zero'
Post by: cph64 on February 17, 2021, 02:42:28 PM
The white looks 'lumpy' as if it was hand painted. Any thoughts?
Title: Re: An A6M3 type 22 'Zero'
Post by: councilman on February 18, 2021, 07:01:41 PM
Very clean build.  8)
Title: Re: An A6M3 type 22 'Zero'
Post by: kiwichappers on February 22, 2021, 01:36:52 PM
Back on the case again. Applied Japanese markings prior to trying to replicate the roughly applied surrender scheme.
Title: Re: An A6M3 type 22 'Zero'
Post by: chriswil42 on February 22, 2021, 02:38:17 PM
Looking great Francis.
Title: Re: An A6M3 type 22 'Zero'
Post by: Haddock on February 22, 2021, 04:14:20 PM
Seems a shame to cover up that lovely paint job.
Title: Re: An A6M3 type 22 'Zero'
Post by: kiwichappers on February 22, 2021, 07:26:33 PM
Don't worry Tony, there'll be some of it showing through which is why I needed to do the full Japanese scheme to start with.
Title: Re: An A6M3 type 22 'Zero'
Post by: Bigkev on February 22, 2021, 07:53:05 PM
Don't worry Tony, there'll be some of it showing through which is why I needed to do the full Japanese scheme to start with.

Hi Kiwichappers,
Would have been surprised if you did not have a nod to previous ownership.
This will look very different to a straight kit build.
Watching and learning with gusto.
Great build, thus far,
Bigkev
Title: Re: An A6M3 type 22 'Zero'
Post by: Red Lancer on February 23, 2021, 05:53:53 PM
I've added a little detail to the cockpit since it will be posed open on the final model.
That's a little detail?.... I wonder what a lot looks like?
Looks great1
Title: Re: An A6M3 type 22 'Zero'
Post by: Red Lancer on February 23, 2021, 05:56:52 PM
As the one I'm making saw very little action being damaged within days of being delivered to Kara Airfield, Rabul I'm treating the Japanese camouflage as showing little wear. Additionally I'm doing it in the surrender scheme it had when flown from Kara to Bougainville of overall white. To replicate the roughly applied surrender scheme I'm going to attempt a diffusion technique for the first time.
Diffusion Technique?.... help please!
Title: Re: An A6M3 type 22 'Zero'
Post by: chriswil42 on February 24, 2021, 01:47:21 PM
As the one I'm making saw very little action being damaged within days of being delivered to Kara Airfield, Rabul I'm treating the Japanese camouflage as showing little wear. Additionally I'm doing it in the surrender scheme it had when flown from Kara to Bougainville of overall white. To replicate the roughly applied surrender scheme I'm going to attempt a diffusion technique for the first time.
Diffusion Technique?.... help please!
Ditto...
Title: Re: An A6M3 type 22 'Zero'
Post by: councilman on February 24, 2021, 05:39:20 PM
Watch and learn Boyz... 8)
Title: Re: An A6M3 type 22 'Zero'
Post by: kiwichappers on March 20, 2021, 04:45:13 PM
Back on with wingy things. Sprayed up the identity numbers on the tail. Rising Decals got the identity numbers totally wrong  which was surprising as this aircraft is very well documented. They noted on their instructions that the identity number on the decal sheet was wrong and should be 2-152 although they failed to include this as an addition to the sheet. The reality is 2-182 is correct but it should be yellow not red hence the need for a stencil to spray the numbers on the tail.
Title: Re: An A6M3 type 22 'Zero'
Post by: chriswil42 on March 21, 2021, 01:54:15 PM
Did you make the stencils Francis?
Title: Re: An A6M3 type 22 'Zero'
Post by: kiwichappers on March 21, 2021, 05:29:14 PM
Hi Chris, I had a friend with a with a plotter/cutter cut them from art work I supplied.
Title: Re: An A6M3 type 22 'Zero'
Post by: kiwichappers on March 22, 2021, 11:29:19 AM
Now then Chris and Howard,

This is the diffusion technique I'm trying with this model. It is a method developed/used by an American Rafe Morrissey.
Title: Re: An A6M3 type 22 'Zero'
Post by: chriswil42 on March 22, 2021, 01:20:05 PM
Thanks for the info Francis.
Title: Re: An A6M3 type 22 'Zero'
Post by: Haddock on March 22, 2021, 04:03:24 PM
Have you thought of adding a little paint to satin or matt varnish.
It worked quite well on a bi-plane to represent the see through effect
of clear doped linen.
You may have to mess around to get the mixes and colours right but
once sorted it looks quite effective.
Just a thought.
Haddock.
Title: Re: An A6M3 type 22 'Zero'
Post by: kiwichappers on March 22, 2021, 06:56:48 PM
Thanks for this thought Tony. I've got a number of test panels to experiment on and shall certainly try your suggestion. Years ago I did use a similar technique on a Luftwaffe aircraft to represent their late war reduced pigment paints that worked reasonable well until I got heavy handed.
Title: Re: An A6M3 type 22 'Zero'
Post by: Red Lancer on March 23, 2021, 06:55:41 PM
Thanks for the explanation Francis.
It's all getting too difficult  for me!
Looking forward to seeing it done!
Title: Re: An A6M3 type 22 'Zero'
Post by: kiwichappers on March 28, 2021, 06:23:14 PM
First phase of the surrender white out scheme done today. Top and underside views.

Title: Re: An A6M3 type 22 'Zero'
Post by: Bigkev on March 31, 2021, 07:50:37 PM
Hi Francis,
Been missing a while.
But I love the latest post of this build. I always have great admiration, for those modellers who can produce a delicate weathered finish, in keeping with the subject. The light misting of white is very subtle, yet convincing and just right.
Look forward to seeing some markings on the model.
This will be a cracker!!
Cheers,
Bigkev
Title: Re: An A6M3 type 22 'Zero'
Post by: Bob C on April 01, 2021, 07:05:22 AM
Looks great to me.

Bob c
Title: Re: An A6M3 type 22 'Zero'
Post by: kiwichappers on April 13, 2021, 02:39:30 PM
The painting is deemed finished save for some post markings distressing. Markings applied so it's in the drying cabinet for a few days.
Title: Re: An A6M3 type 22 'Zero'
Post by: cph64 on April 13, 2021, 03:30:39 PM
Some interesting shading Francis.
Title: Re: An A6M3 type 22 'Zero'
Post by: Bigkev on April 14, 2021, 01:09:55 PM
Hi Francis,
Nice painting on your Zero, not seen many in this scheme.
Cheers Bigkev
Title: Re: An A6M3 type 22 'Zero'
Post by: kiwichappers on April 19, 2021, 12:44:09 PM
Getting close to the finish line now. Engine and cowling fitted plus a pin wash to mimic the coral dust that shows on photos of the prototype.
Title: Re: An A6M3 type 22 'Zero'
Post by: cph64 on April 19, 2021, 01:02:51 PM
With the cowling on it really looks the part now Francis.
Title: Re: An A6M3 type 22 'Zero'
Post by: zak on April 19, 2021, 02:43:47 PM
Nice unusual finish.
Title: Re: An A6M3 type 22 'Zero'
Post by: chriswil42 on April 19, 2021, 03:01:32 PM
Looking excellent Francis.
Title: Re: An A6M3 type 22 'Zero'
Post by: Bob C on April 19, 2021, 07:44:48 PM
looking really good not seen one like this before.

Bob c
Title: Re: An A6M3 type 22 'Zero'
Post by: Bigkev on April 20, 2021, 05:52:18 PM
looking really good not seen one like this before.

Bob c

I agree,
it looks really good, nice attention to detail.
Excellent work Francis,
Cheers,
Bigkev
Title: Re: An A6M3 type 22 'Zero'
Post by: councilman on April 21, 2021, 06:48:47 PM
A very interesting and outstanding model.
Well done. ;)
Title: Re: An A6M3 type 22 'Zero'
Post by: Red Lancer on April 27, 2021, 02:54:23 PM
Excellent again
Title: Re: An A6M3 type 22 'Zero'
Post by: Bigkev on April 27, 2021, 05:28:09 PM
Hi Francis,
What is next on the Kiwichappers build board......?
Bigkev
Title: Re: An A6M3 type 22 'Zero'
Post by: kiwichappers on April 28, 2021, 08:13:58 PM
Thanks for the kind words gents,all appreciated.

Not sure what's next Kev, probably and F4U-1 Corsair although another A6M3 type 22 is and outside possibility.
Title: Re: An A6M3 type 22 'Zero'
Post by: kiwichappers on May 04, 2021, 02:44:57 PM
Declared finished.
Title: Re: An A6M3 type 22 'Zero'
Post by: Bigkev on May 04, 2021, 04:00:49 PM
A lovely clean build and final result.
Bigkev
Title: Re: An A6M3 type 22 'Zero'
Post by: chriswil42 on May 05, 2021, 01:08:01 PM
Nice.
Title: Re: An A6M3 type 22 'Zero'
Post by: kiwichappers on May 26, 2021, 12:03:28 PM
The Hasegawa A6M3 type 22 kit was very enjoyable and has tempted me to build another.

Cockpit started.
Title: Re: An A6M3 type 22 'Zero'
Post by: cph64 on May 26, 2021, 07:18:25 PM
Nice painting there Francis, looks great.
Title: Re: An A6M3 type 22 'Zero'
Post by: kiwichappers on May 26, 2021, 08:21:33 PM
A bit more progress this evening. This shots for Howard.
Title: Re: An A6M3 type 22 'Zero'
Post by: chriswil42 on May 27, 2021, 02:16:32 PM
Wow, that looks good!
Title: Re: An A6M3 type 22 'Zero'
Post by: zak on May 27, 2021, 05:36:13 PM
Nice cockpit.
Title: Re: An A6M3 type 22 'Zero'
Post by: Bigkev on May 27, 2021, 06:27:50 PM
A bit more progress this evening. This shots for Howard.

Hi Franics,
Can I book a seat and fly it!
It looks so real.
Cheers,
Bigkev
Title: Re: An A6M3 type 22 'Zero'
Post by: kiwichappers on July 23, 2021, 05:10:48 PM
After a long hiatus a little progress. Major components together and camouflage applied.
Title: Re: An A6M3 type 22 'Zero'
Post by: chriswil42 on July 24, 2021, 02:41:55 PM
Paintwork looks good.
Title: Re: An A6M3 type 22 'Zero'
Post by: Red Lancer on July 24, 2021, 02:48:30 PM
A bit more progress this evening. This shots for Howard.

Absolutely Amazing!
Title: Re: An A6M3 type 22 'Zero'
Post by: kiwichappers on August 17, 2021, 10:35:37 AM
Another hiatus, largely due to inertia around sorting stencils for the aircraft formation number.
Title: Re: An A6M3 type 22 'Zero'
Post by: chriswil42 on August 17, 2021, 01:21:26 PM
Looks good Francis.
Title: Re: An A6M3 type 22 'Zero'
Post by: Bigkev on August 18, 2021, 11:37:58 AM
Nice as always Francis,
Attention to detail one of your skills.
Cheers,
Bigkev
Title: Re: An A6M3 type 22 'Zero'
Post by: cph64 on August 19, 2021, 03:23:46 PM
It's progressing nicely.
Title: Re: An A6M3 type 22 'Zero'
Post by: kiwichappers on August 22, 2021, 01:18:02 PM
Declaring this one done and so that wraps up Mitsubishi's IJN type 0 models for me.
Title: Re: An A6M3 type 22 'Zero'
Post by: zak on August 22, 2021, 01:39:42 PM
Very nice too, especially the setting.
Title: Re: An A6M3 type 22 'Zero'
Post by: chriswil42 on August 22, 2021, 02:22:04 PM
Excellent model and excellent photos.
Title: Re: An A6M3 type 22 'Zero'
Post by: Haddock on August 23, 2021, 07:54:18 AM
Neat, very neat.
Haddock.
Title: Re: An A6M3 type 22 'Zero'
Post by: Bigkev on August 23, 2021, 09:20:49 AM
Hi Francis,
A lovely model once again.
Cheers,
Bigkev
Title: Re: An A6M3 type 22 'Zero'
Post by: MSea on August 23, 2021, 10:08:06 AM
Great Francis
Title: Re: An A6M3 type 22 'Zero'
Post by: kiwichappers on August 23, 2021, 11:02:27 AM
Thanks again for the compliments gents. Most of the credit should go to the kit. Hasegawa Zeros are absolute gems and I've done little other than spray a little paint on the assembled bits. OK, I've been careful doing it but take nothing away from the superb quality of the kit that is the basis of these models.
Title: Re: An A6M3 type 22 'Zero'
Post by: councilman on August 23, 2021, 05:40:56 PM
Absolutely perfect model and great photographs.
Well done.
Title: Re: An A6M3 type 22 'Zero'
Post by: Red Lancer on August 29, 2021, 10:59:39 AM
Well done, Francis