Tamiya 1:48 Mitsubishi A6M5/5a Zero Zeke

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

In the initial phase of the Pacific War, the Japanese fighter Mitsubishi Zero completely dominated the skies. Obsolete American fighters and less trained pilots gave up to the Japanese fighters in almost every aspect. The situation began to change drastically, with the introduction of new types of fighter planes by the United States Navy and US Air Force, with the excellent Hellcats and Corsair. Zeros successor was not ready yet, so it was decided to modify the project. In 1943 a fighter A6M5 appeared, equipped with a more powerful engine, stronger wing structure and armed with two guns and two guns. The plane partially lost its greatest advantage, maneuverability, speed, and firepower. At the beginning of the following year, a modernized version 5a was created, with an even more modified wing, allowing for loading more ammo into the guns. New Zeros began their battle route on the Solomon Islands, continuing it through Mariana, Iwo Jima, Okinawa and the Japanese island. By the end of the war, about 6,000 Mitsubishi Zero A6M5 and M5a aircraft were built.

The Tamiya kit allows building the Mitsubishi A6M5 / 5a Zero World War II Japanese fighter together with a pilot and 4 aviators. The box contains 4 frames with engine parts, engine cover, a transparent frame, masking tape for pilots cockpit and decals (allow for the reconstruction of a fighter jet from the 1st Marine Group 302, 652 Fighter Group stationed at Junyo Aircraft Carrier or Rabaul Fighter Squadron ).

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-70 or spray AS-21 (green camouflage)
• Tamiya XF-12 or AS-2 spray (airplane belly)
• Tamiya X-18 (engine hood, cockpit elements, engine components)
• Tamiya XF-71 (airplane interior and cockpit)
• Tamiya X-10 (armament)
• Tamiya XF-16 (cockpit, engine and suspension components)
• Tamiya XF-7 + XF-56 (exhaust, 1:7 proportions)
• Tamiya XF-64 (propeller, sight)

Pilots:

• Tamiya XF-64 (uniform, sword handle)
• Tamiya XF-49 + XF-57 (vest, 2:1 proportions)
• Tamiya XF-10 (shoes, pilot, gloves)
• Tamiya XF-2 (scarf)
• Tamiya XF-15 (skin)
• Tamiya XF-26 (lanes)
• Tamiya X-16 + X-21 (parachute)
• Tamiya X-1 (sword scabbard)

Set contains:

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

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.