Tamiya 1:48 Mitsubishi A6M3 Zero Hamp

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

The legend of Mitsubishi Zero started at beginning of the Pacific War when the first American pilots had to fight with the Japanese fighters. Zeros were considered as one of the best fighters of its time. They were all metal in construction, fast, responsive, and under the control of Japanese-trained pilots deadly. Whats more, the design was constantly refined. One of the widest modification packages was the M3, which replaced the engine. As a result of improved performance, the wing construction has also been changed. For improved maneuverability, wing ailerons were cut, resulting in reduced turn radius at lower ceilings. The changes also increased the speed of the aircraft. Between April 1942 and August 1943, 343 planes were produced in this version. Operated mostly from Japanese land bases in the Pacific Islands.

The Tamiya kit allows building the Mitsubishi A6M3 Zero fighter with a pilot and 6 ground crew members. The box contains 2 frames with model elements, wings, a frame parts with transparent parts and decals (allow to reconstruct machines from 1, 2, or 204 Hunting 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 (dark green camouflage)
• Tamiya spray AS-29 (camouflage green, gray)
• Tamiya XF-11 (tropical camouflage)
• Tamiya XF-12 or AS-2 spray (airplane belly)
• Tamiya X-18 (engine cover, cockpit elements)
• Tamiya X-13 (airplane interior and cockpit)
• Tamiya X-10 (engine, armament)
• Tamiya XF-16 (cockpit, engine and suspension components)
• Tamiya X-11, X-18 or 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.