Looking at Tamiya’s 48 scale A6M5/5a. This is the new one - $50 or so, not the old A6M5C. Eduard makes a cockpit mask for this kit (#61103). However, Brett Green gave this kit an extremely favorable review on Hyperscale and in the kit description it says that the kit includes “self-adhesive canopy masking sheet”. As Green notes Tamiya sells a detail set but it only lists PE and some aluminum canon: no decals. I doubt that Eduard would make a mask for a kit that already has one. Nor have I ever seen a mask in a Tamiya kit. But Green looks like he’s reproducing product information and the guy’s not a newb. Anyway, a canopy mask for a Zero sounds mighty fine to me. Anyone seen this kit or any Tamiya masked Zero?
Eric
Not sure.
Personally, I had no better results(some worse) with supplied/bought masks than masking with Tamiya tape and doing my own trimming.
Had even better results with liquid masking.
But experiences vary. IMO, supplied masks or not should not be stopper to buying a kit.
I haven’t seen the kit first-hand, but the instructions available online here http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10070267 indicate that a canopy mask is included (step 13)
I have a Tamiya’s 48 scale A6M5/5a. He had self-adhesive canopy masking sheet. Not the first. The Storch (1/48) had self-adhesive canopy masking sheet and PE.
Thankee muchly. That Japanese site is a real find. Lots of kits with instructions shown - wish that was the norm. (Was looking over a Dragon Bumbauer “Smart Kit” was utterly baffled by the instructions in the box: wish there was a website where there were Dragon English directions.) Might add that prices are very good and unless I misunderstand shipping, it’s not bad if you’re willing to wait a bit. $30 for the new A6M3 (also with masks) is ten bucks less than a good US site. And the A6M3 might have been the prettiest of a very pretty breed. I’ve bought from both Britain and Hong Kong and shipping was quite competitive. I really do appreciate the tip.
Eric
The masks that comes in the kit are printed on the same material as Tamiya tape and the Eduard masks. However, it’s not precut, you have to cut it out yourself. Not a big deal in my opinion. I have a review of the kit in the link below if interested in more detail. It’s a great kti, a bit pricey if purchased in the US, but like you said, much more reasonable if you buy directly from Asia and don’t mind waiting a bit.
http://waihobbies.wkhc.net/models/Tamiya_A6m5_2008/TamiyaA6m5.html
I built it when it was first released and loved every minute of it.
It really is a stunning kit, with the only addition being a set of Eduard IJN seatbelts.
The masks worked perfectly, and cutting then out really wasn’t a chore.
Karl
Looking at those instructions I see alot of similarity to the older A6M5c kit that I bought in 1983, For the price what makes it better than the old Tamya Zero. I am wondering if the Eduard masks will work on the older kit. Any thoughts.
Bill
I read reviews from the usual suspects before I bought the new Zeke. One guy noted that the old Tamiya kits remained very nice models. That’s certainly been my experience with the old guys. Maybe top scale modelers can knock “shake and bake” but I really appreciate parts that fit.
That said this is pretty much a new kit I think. It is a downsize of a very expensive 32 scale Zero Tamiya put out a few years ago. Compared to the old one it has more fiddly stuff and the wing tips fold. (At least they do on the 3a the one I bought. I’m not sure that the model was ever engaged in a carrier engagement - too late for 42 and too early for the Mariannas: could be wrong though.) I’d guess that the Zero masks from Eduard would work. I do like masks and hope I can learn to make my own better than I do now. The Zero especially is a lovely plane, but comes with a whole lot of glass. Actually for the prices being asked today, I think all modern kits should come with at least mask diagrams so you could cut your own out of good masking tape.
Have found out one thing though. If you screw up a cockpit and have an ultra-sound cleaner, you can get the paint off with no damage very quickly and start over.
Eric