I have finally finished my first 1/48 build, Tamiya’s A6M2 Zeke, OOB. The kit was ok, old and did not have much detail, but it was cheap and that suited me because I wanted to experiment on it. As some of you out there know I tested my complementary pre-shading technique for the first time on this little guy (dark yellow primer followed by purple pre-shading before IJN Ash Gray base coat), as well as first time salt technique for color variation (slightly overdone in my opinion).
As I said, the kit is poor in detail and there were some fitting issues (canopy, landing gear and the cowling) but nothing that put me off.
I also lost the small bit on the right aileron. Never to be seen again.
I am satisfied with the result. You be the judges.
Glad you like her. I think I overdid the weathering, as those early carrier Zekes were kept pretty neat (at least from the reference photos), but as this was a test dummy doesn’t really matter.
My next endeavour will be Revell’s 1/48 P-61 “Midnight Mickey”, and those widows were pretty beat up from what I’ve seen, so should be interesting.
Although, I hear that this kit is somewhat a b#@ch to build and has made a number of modelers to just give up. Lots of fitting issues apparently, especially with the clear parts. We’ll see.
Yes, it’s notorious. I have built it twice, I think, but was not very skilled at the time and didn’t notice. I’d probably be appalled if I were to attempt one now. Like Revell’s Arizona.
