Bridlington & Wolds Scale Model Club Forum
Models => Modelling Projects => Topic started by: Pen-Pusher on January 11, 2017, 10:36:12 AM
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the Zero, also called Mitsubishi A6M or Navy Type 0, fighter aircraft was a single-seat, low-wing monoplane used with great effect by the Japanese during World War II. Designed by Horikoshi Jiro, it was the first carrier-based fighter capable of besting its land-based opponents. It was designed to specifications written in 1937 and first tested in 1939 then put in production for operations in China in 1940. Although Allied forces code-named the aircraft 'Zeke' it was generally known as the 'Zero', a term derived from one of its Japanese names—Reisen Kanjikisen (Type Zero Carrier-based Fighter Airplane), abbreviated Reisen. The year its production began, 1940, was the 2,600th anniversary of the ascension to the throne of Japan’s legendary first emperor, Jimmu, hence the “zero” designation.
The Zero was made by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and was first powered by a Nakajima Sakae radial air-cooled engine of 14 cylinders (two staggered rows of seven) that developed 1,020 horsepower. Later it used a 1,130-horsepower engine to turn its three-blade constant-speed propeller. Its top speed was 350 miles per hour (565 km/h) at nearly 20,000 feet (6,100 m), and it was armed with two 7.7-millimetre machine guns and two 20-millimetre cannons in its wings; it could carry two 132-pound (59.9-kilogram) bombs under the wings.
When it first appeared, the Zero could outmaneuver every airplane it encountered. Moreover, its 156-gallon (591-litre) internal fuel tank was augmented with a 94-gallon external tank enabled the Zero to fly far beyond its expected range. The Allies did not have comparable fighters that could defeat it in aerial combat until 1943. Many Zeros were converted to kamikaze craft in the closing months of the war. In all, nearly 10,430 of them were built.
The new-tool airfix kit of the Zero has much to commend it. Moulded in light grey plastic with 46 parts on three sprues and 1 clear injection moulded canopy. Decals are for one aircraft only and the A4 sized, fold-out instruction sheet gives a brief history history and a 17 part illustrated plan. The paint/decal instructions are on the rear of the box in-line with other Series One kits from Airfix.
The kit is cleanly moulded with a high level of detail in all areas, good decals and clear part. One surprise is the optional folded wing-tips and there is the usual pilot figure. Panel lines are arguably a little on the heavy side and a 'decal only' instrument panel. I suspect the wheel wells are too shallow and may need some attention by the purists. The one piece canopy is crystal clear but oh, it would've been good to have the open-option. Still, it's a very nice model and cheaper than any other Zero kit around and therefore good value for money. Well done Airfix!
I have two projects ahead for this kit. One will be a captured a/c used by the Chinese Nationalists...but more of this later!
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As I said, the mould quality of the Zero is up to the high standard of all new Airfix issues. There is still a need for care when removing parts from sprue but the overall detailing is very welcome indeed.
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After building the cockpit, I tried a dry-fit.... no problem at all! Before some detail is added I used Tamiya X-71 Japanese Interior Green to wash the cockpit (and inside of cowling).
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This cutting/scribing tool was recommended by one of the club members and I'm delighted to report.... it works a treat.
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Decided to 'chop' one wing for this effort and to my horror found the upper and lower wings are really thick (You can judge for yourself by comparing the two halves in these photos) necessitating a fair bit of filing etc., to achieve anything resembling the real thing before adding some ribbing, wing strut and bracing...
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Deciding to do a wrecked aircraft presents a couple of options. Borrow a hammer from the 'present' Mrs D's tool box and apply liberally to the completed model (extreme measure) - or try replicating something from photographs of an actual plane? After some deliberation I nervously chose the later option.
Doing a wrecked airframe of course presents as many, if not more problems than its pristine counterpart; but so far I'm quite chuffed with the results. I have some 'delicate' work to do in scratch-building ailerons and rudder and a number of 'loose panels' have yet to be sourced before starting on the base-work and painting.....?
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Without the convenience of a photo-etched alternative, I have had to remove the fabric-covered area of the rudder and then begin building up a strut assembly using the original mould as a guide for size and position. Patience Ian, patience....
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Flippin' 'eck!!
Haddock.
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Something akin to my words!
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A little more progress. Trying to make this look a bit worse the wear for the weather....
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... and fitted.
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The rudder looks very effective, very nice.
Looking forward to seeing how this turns out.
Roger
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The rudder looks very effective, very nice.
Looking forward to seeing how this turns out.
Roger
Me too
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Whatever 'state of repair' is destined for the 1/72 Zero you're tempted to build, the engine of the Airfix kit whilst very good, does need a little attention to detail (See photos) before weathering.
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Following much the same procedure as for the rudder, the aileron poses its own problems. I've used thicker ribs but will file down when complete.
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Structure wise and the damaged aileron added, I think this is almost there? I now need to work on the base... a somewhat more daunting task!
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Trying to replicate the surviving airframe where most of the original camouflage has disappeared due to the effects of time. Fabric covered areas are reduced to skeletal structures and the engine has fallen forward. the split cowling exposing the complex exhaust pipes ('t'other side, sorry) Unfortunately the flash on my camera gives it an unfortunate 'hue' but we progress undaunted..... I think?
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It is an interesting subject depicting a model diorama with battle damage, most are usually modelled on photos of real situations on land and sea. It just shows what lengths modellers go to to be true to form and create a little more interest in the hobby as a whole. I often look at photos of certain situations and think 'wow' that would make a brilliant diorama, as I am sure most of you have thought at some point. The art though, is taking it to the next level, which we all aspire to.
Bridlufc
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Indeed so, I am actually taking this from a photo of an actual 'wreck' and replicating as much as can be determined... but we'll see how it goes?
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Now progressing the base work. Depicting an aircraft that has lain at the bottom of the sea for many years and is now the natural repository for coral and barnacles isn't the easiest of jobs. Firstly, as any fellow sub-aqua enthusiasts (with a passion for rubber suits) among you will know, the colours even at relatively shallow depth are different. Predominately turquoise / blue it means simulating that on the base and will call for some creative painting as opposed to a gallon of liquid water or to a trip to some far flung coral atoll. As you can see the 'present' Mrs D's herb garden has already been plundered and copious dying is in progress elsewhere. Painting will follow....?
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Hi Pen-Pusher,
That's beginning to look very nice. An undersea depictation eh, not what I was expecting.
I thought it might be a strafed/abandoned aircraft initially.
Look for to the finished article.
Cheers,
Bigkev
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Very imaginative that is, what about a diver to give it some atmosphere.
Haddock.
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Hi Pen Pusher,
I agree with Haddock about some form of underwater explorer, but if you can't find a frogman, what about a swimsuit wearing pearl diver?
Cheers,
Bigkev
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Hi Pen Pusher,
I agree with Haddock about some form of underwater explorer, but if you can't find a frogman, what about a swimsuit wearing pearl diver?
Cheers,
Bigkev
I was thinking more on the lines of a bloke with a big brass helmet and lead boots!!
Haddock.
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Oh, I've been through all these scenarios. First the plane was to be housed in a Ferrero Roche box with a liquid water top (tinted), rubber dingy with scuba-divers. (No 1/72 one's could I find). Then I thought of a midget sub coming alongside, so on and so forth....
Photo 1 shows the original base idea.
Photo 2 shows the encrustation build up.
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Photo 2
PS. No good asking, the chocolates are all gone!!!
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How about SpongeBob? That would be something different.
Bridlufc
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Airfix did Commandos in 1/72 and I'm sure there were some crawling figures amongst them, couldn't you adapt those?
Bridlufc
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Hang on a minute lads... I've got an idea!
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Don't blow the b_ _ _ _y doors off!
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Can you see where I'm going with this....? (Eat your heart out Jacque Cousteau!)
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I know, no flippin' flippers yet. Flippin' 'eck 'e says!
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Hi Pen Pusher,
That looks like it'll fit the bill nicely, as long as you give him some Flippers!!
Well done anyway.
Bigkev
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Air hose, regulator and flippers - now for his weight belt!
(Ms D says I have to buy a new Cheese board!!)
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Don't forget some bubbles, reminds me of Jacques Cousteau, or if your even older Hans and Loti Hass.
Sorry about the spelling.
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Methinks he doth ask too much?Bubbles indeed!
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Hi Zak,
I'll stick with Jacque's Cousteua, I'm not as old as you with the other two!
Bigkev
PS. Pen-Pusher, it looks okay, well done!
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Seen from above, a diver pauses over the empty cockpit of a heavily encrusted Mitsubishi Zero lying seventeen metres below the surface of Jammer Bay, a few miles of the south coast of New Britain Island, Papua New Guinea.
Lost on 17th April 1944 the aircraft, serial number 4213 has survived remarkably well due to the low salt content in this part of the ocean. Only colour is changed by the depth.
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I wish the sea here was as clear as that.