Mitsubishi A6M2 Type 21 "Zero"
Lieutenant Commander Shigeru Itaya
IJN Akagi Aircraft Carrier Fighter Group
Pearl Harbour - December 7th 1941
Lieutenant Commander Shigeru Itaya
IJN Akagi Aircraft Carrier Fighter Group
Pearl Harbour - December 7th 1941
Lieutenant Commander Shigeru Itaya
IJN Akagi Aircraft Carrier Fighter Group
Pearl Harbour - December 7th 1941
Lieutenant Commander Shigeru Itaya
IJN Akagi Aircraft Carrier Fighter Group
Pearl Harbour - December 7th 1941
Lieutenant Commander Shigeru Itaya
IJN Akagi Aircraft Carrier Fighter Group
Pearl Harbour - December 7th 1941
Lieutenant Commander Shigeru Itaya
IJN Akagi Aircraft Carrier Fighter Group
Pearl Harbour - December 7th 1941
Commenti
James CThanks Jos 🙂
I managed to snap the aerial mast too many times to warrant trying to attempt stringing it... but I did at least attempt painting the pilot lol 😉
Not bad for a 50+ year old kit and my first ever Japanese (WW2) build.
The colour call outs were wrong so ended up using a combo of Tamiya XF-12 (J.N. Grey) lightened somewhat with a few drops of white for the hi-lights.
The cowling was painted with AK 2066 Anti-Glare Blue-Black.
For the interior I used AK 2067 "Mitsubishi Interior Green" and for the wheel wells Mr Hobby H63 Metallic Blue-Green.... all acrylics.
Hardest part was painting the semi-gloss black on the inside of the prop blades without over spraying the outside. The decals were typical Tamiya of the period... being a little thick, but I found that they settled down well enough with Tamiya "Mark Fit" and liberal applications of "extra strong" etc.
JohnVery nice James. I really like the older Tamiya kits. Decidedly un-fussy and they build up well, as you have ably demonstrated. 👍
James CThanks John. Yes, I agree and have a number of these older Tamiya aircraft kits in 1/48 that I intend to work through for a bit of practice before starting on the more expensive stuff. A good change of pace from building armored vehicles as well. 🙂👍
Mark SherwoodA very nice representation of that mark of the Zero, spot on. 🤘🥸🤟 I agree with John on the old Tamiya kits, I built the Raiden and Hayabusa 👍
DickVery nice Zeke James!
The only thing missing is a matching VF-84 Tomcat… Youtube Video
NeilYes!! Final Countdown diorama, genius idea! 😍 Great looking Zero... Over to you James... 😁👍
Album info
The Mitsubishi A6M Zero, a legendary symbol of Japanese airpower during World War II, remains an iconic aircraft in aviation history. Revered for its exceptional maneuverability and long-range capabilities, the Zero played a pivotal role in the early stages of the Pacific War. This review will delve into the historical context of the A6M Zero, its design, performance characteristics, and its impact on military aviation.
Developed by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries in the late 1930s, the A6M Zero was specifically designed to meet the requirements set by the Imperial Japanese Navy for a carrier-based fighter aircraft. Its development coincided with Japan's aggressive expansionist policies in the Pacific, and the need for a highly capable fighter became increasingly apparent.
The A6M Zero was revolutionary for its time, featuring several innovative design elements that gave it a distinct advantage over contemporary aircraft. Its lightweight construction, powered by a powerful Sakae radial engine, allowed for exceptional maneuverability and agility in dogfights. The use of an all-metal, stressed-skin monocoque design further reduced weight while maintaining structural integrity.
One of the most notable characteristics of the A6M Zero was its exceptional performance in aerial combat. Its unmatched maneuverability, coupled with a high power-to-weight ratio, made it a formidable adversary for Allied pilots. The Zero's ability to outmaneuver opponents, combined with its long-range capabilities, allowed Japanese pilots to dictate the terms of engagement.
However, the Zero's performance came at a cost. Its lightweight construction sacrificed armor protection for increased agility, leaving it vulnerable to enemy fire. Additionally, as the war progressed, advancements in Allied aircraft technology gradually eroded the Zero's superiority, particularly in terms of speed and firepower.
The A6M Zero saw extensive combat throughout the Pacific theater, from the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor to the desperate defense of the Japanese homeland in the waning days of the war. During the early stages of the conflict, the Zero's dominance in the skies helped secure Japanese victories in key battles such as the Battle of Midway and the Solomon Islands campaign.
However, as the war progressed and Allied forces adapted their tactics and technology, the Zero's vulnerabilities became increasingly apparent. The introduction of more advanced Allied fighters, such as the F6F Hellcat and F4U Corsair, challenged the Zero's supremacy in aerial combat. Despite the mounting challenges, Japanese pilots continued to fly the Zero with valor and determination until the very end of the war.
Despite its eventual obsolescence, the A6M Zero remains a symbol of Japanese ingenuity and military prowess. Its impact on the course of the war, particularly in the early years, cannot be overstated. The Zero's unmatched agility and range forced Allied forces to adapt their strategies and tactics, ultimately shaping the outcome of the Pacific theater.
The Mitsubishi A6M Zero stands as a testament to the innovation and engineering prowess of its designers. Its exceptional performance in aerial combat, combined with its historical significance, ensures its place in aviation history. While ultimately overshadowed by more advanced Allied aircraft, the Zero's legacy endures as a symbol of Japanese aviation excellence during World War II.
Completed February 9th 2024
