Hello all. Just recently finished my Tamiya Zero in 1/32. This was my first attempt at a couple of things…1. Wiring an engine and 2. using the salt chipping method of weathering. I think the wire I used to do the engine was a little large but it’s all I had on hand. Let me know what ya think! Thanks for looking!
More pics!
Looks pretty good to me! Engine wiring and weathering look very good!
Wow, beautiful work!!! The chipping looks awesome.
Very nice work!!!
I really like that engine! Very nice work there.
She looks great to me! Engine and paint chipping are well-done.
Gary
Great work on the Zero. A question based on observations of Zero modles that I have seen. Did japan have problems with paint adhering to the metal? I ask because of all the paint rub that I see on them.
Getting it all put together and finished is a great accomplishment. Having it turn out so well is a bonus!
I’ve heard different stories but I think the most current one is that they in some cases didn’t use primer on the upper surfaces so the paint didn’t ‘stick’ as well.
Thanks for the kind words gang! I really had to push myself out of my comfort zone on this one! I’m very pleased with the end result! Definitely one of if not my finest yet!
Blueline: As far as Japan’s paint, I really don’t know why they had such issues with their finishes…my guess would either be they didn’t use primer like Gamera said or they didn’t re-paint after significant weathering.
I think the engine, wiring, and everything else looks great!
Reminds me, about 40 yrs ago bought some supplies to wire and detail an engine, of course I never did it. Maybe down the road, though…
That is one nice looking Zero! Really like how the engine turned out.
Regarding the paint Japanese used on aircraft. Towards the end of 1943 beginning of 1944 the Japanese ceased putting primer on most aircraft and started using lower quality paint. Just take a look at the Betty bombers and you’ll see what I mean. The Zero did still get primed so it fared a little better. But again low quality primer and paint still chipped. Plus the harsh environment of the pacific didn’t help matter any!
Great looking build and the wiring is top notch! Yeah there is much artistic license when it comes to Jap plane weathering.
Excellent looking build and a very great first effort at the salt chipping!
Nice job on this kit. I have one in the stash, it’s been sitting there for a few years.
Beautiful job! Zeros are some of my very favorite aircraft, it’s nice to see one built so nicely. I look forward to being comfortable building a 1/32 myself. Really excellent work on the engine btw, I love detailed engines!
Awesome looking Zero. Like others have mentioned, I like the paint chipping and weathering. Very realistic.
Nicely done especially the weathering thru the IJN green to the bare aluminium. Great exhaust smudging on the fuselage. Congratulations.
Very nice work. Thanks for sharing…and ditto to what Grey Snake said about Japanese paint quality.
Joe