Tamiya 1:48 Mitsubishi A6M5c Zero Zeke

The kit proposed by Tamiya company includes a plastic model kit of Japanese fighter in 1:48 scale.

Faced with the increasingly difficult military situation in Japan at the end of the war, new requirements for the equipment provided were rising. They also included one of Japans most successful hunting aircraft, the Mitsubishi Zero. The M5C was ordered in the summer of 1944. The required changes concerned primarily armament, armor, and range. The first issue was resolved by replacing MG in the hull on 13.2mm MG. Under the wings also mounted guided rails for rockets. The pilots cockpit was reinforced by adding an armor plate behind his armchair. Also behind the seat was found space for an additional fuel tank. Also, hooks on the discarded fuel tanks under the wings were added. Satisfying these requirements has also triggered the problem - weight gain and consequently performance decline. For this reason, the fighter propulsion unit is also listed. The modification of the A6M5c went into production at the end of August 1944. About 5,000 planes were produced in this specification.

The Tamiya kit allows building the Mitsubishi A6M5 Zero fighter with a pilot figurine and a 6 ground crew members. In the box, there are 2 frames with model elements, wings, a transparent frame, and decals (allow to reconstruct machines from 332, 252 [316 Squadron], 203 [303 Squadron], 302 [1 Squadron] Hunt Group or Genzan Hunt Group).

Plastic parts should be cut out of frames, fit together and glued according to the assembly instruction. You should paint the whole model using modeling paints according to the proposed paint scheme in the instruction. It is important to remember that some plastic parts require painting before gluing. In the end, it is needed to apply decals according to markings or graphics in instruction.

Paints suggested by the manufacturer for the best effect:

Plane:

• Tamiya XF-11 or AS-1 spray (green camouflage)
• Tamiya XF-12 or AS-2 spray (airplane belly)
• Tamiya X-18 (engine cover, cockpit elements)
• Tamiya X-13 or XF-5 (airplane interior and cockpit)
• Tamiya X-10 (engine, armament)
• Tamiya XF-16 (cockpit, engine and suspension parts, rockets)
• Tamiya XF-64 (propeller)

Pilot:

• Tamiya XF-52 + XF-64 (uniform)
• Tamiya XF-10 (shoes, pilot, gloves)
• Tamiya XF-2 (scarf)
• Tamiya XF-15 (skin)
• Tamiya XF-64 (belts)
• Tamiya XF-5 (vest)

Ground personnel:

• Tamiya XF-4 + XF-5 (uniform, cap)
• Tamiya XF-2 (mechanical suit, socks)
• Tamiya XF-57 (summer uniform)
• Tamiya XF-10 (shoes)
• Tamiya XF-15 (skin)

Set contains:

• The assembly instruction.
• Frames with plastic parts.
• Decals.
• Transparent plastic elements.
• Pilots figurines.

Kit does NOT contain paints and glue.

Here are the basic tools and materials you need:

• Pilers for cutting plastic parts.
• Modeling penknife.
• File or sandpaper.
• Cement for plastic models.
• Brush or airbrush.
• Modeling paints.

If you are not sure of any accessories or colors of paints you need for your model kit, please ask us, we will be glad to help you.