1/48 Tamiya A6M5 Zero, 652nd Fighter Group, June 1944 (Complete)

Modeling Subjects Aircraft
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Thanks plasticjunkie. Much appreciated.

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Thanks John!

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Thanks Tiger II. Much appreciated.

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I think it looks really good!

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Hoss,

Beautiful job on your A6M5. I built this kit about 10 years ago for a commission job, and I liked it so much I built it again when I got my hobby area set up in my new place. May have to build it again to do it more justice! This is probably one of the premier kits in 1/48 in my opinion.

Regarding Tamiya’s decals, I’ve often had the same problem you outline, the decals are too thick*! Or so I thought. I’ve heard a good trick on how to use these decals.
Step 1- go to your local craft store armed with a coupon.

Step 2- buy a candle warmer and a glass jar to set on it. Use this for the water.
Step 3- wait til the water gets hot.

Step 4- soak the decal for a good while

Step 5- apply as normal.

From what I understand, the “thick* decals” actually have a thicker adhesive, and the warm/hot water helps soften it. In my limited experience, the hot water does help. Give it a go sometime!

Very nice model, thanks for sharing!

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Thanks DM!

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Thanks Radmax - and thanks for the pointers on the Tamiya decals. Makes sense - I’ll give it a shot.

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Hot water defiitely helps Tamiya decals and others that seem stiff, for instance Roden decals. I have an electric carafe that I keep on my bench and try to keep the water around 140 degrees. I keep refilling and dumping the water in the little tray I use to soak the decals.

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Beautiful job. Nicely done.

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Beauty work Hoss. Have you considered AK Real Colors? They go down smooth as glass, no pebbling, and they look accurate to me. You could also paint on your markings with Montex masks. I started doing this years ago and haven’t turned back. Regardless, that Zeke looks great.

31

Looks fantastic. I’ve got a couple of Japanese aircraft in the stash - haven’t done one since I was 18 or so. Really like the finish you developed - top notch.

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Beautiful photos Hoss. That’s a nice set up. And excellent work here. Tamiya makes a great zero but their decals are definitely leaving room for improvement. You seem to have tamed them well enough here. I can’t really see much wrong with it. That green has a lot of life to it as well.

Very cool Hoss. Thanks for sharing.

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Thanks for the tip jeaton. Good idea!

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Thanks chemteacher.

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Thanks lawdog. I use AK real colors now and then and agree on all points. I’ve used Montex masks a couple of times for RAF markings when I’m concerned about color matching but have not made the full switch. I’ll keep experimenting. Thanks.

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Thanks keavdog!

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Thanks bvallot. Much appreciated.

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Stunning finnish, Hoss! I love the photorealism you manage to achieve. Sadly I lack such skills. I’ll have to work on that lol.

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Thanks! Much appreciated. I’ve been trying to improve the photography of these birds in their natural habitat. Glad you like it. Thanks again.

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Very nice work Hoss! Well done!

Best,

Nikola