Very nice looking kit. The one thing with Eduards principals of limited kits is they give you so many options for different versions that it's a no brainer to buy a couple of overtrees so you can do those great looking paint schemes but they usualy only give you one set of stencil decals or one lot that are common to all the different options
Arma Hobby is the only company that I know that offers two sets of stencils and cockpit decals, which is nice. I think Eduard does sell separate stencil sheets, but they are pricey. Techmod has A6M2 and A6M3 sheets, which also have the stencils, they are good quality and quite affordable, so it might be best option to buy them, even if using only the stencils. Techmod hinomarus are also good, if one doesn't like Eduard's .
This is a perfect kit to paint the markings instead of the decals, with so few of them needed. Bunch of information online for which Tamiya paints to use now that Nik spoiled you with the full range 😁. This will be a lot of fun to watch all the skills and stuff you've accumulated over the last few years, the weathering pencils and solutions especially. An old phone cord for the copper wire to dress up the engine, and this is going to be a real looker. One of Eduards best releases yet not too overcomplicated. Great choice Gary 👍. The overtree means you can do each a Navy version (as you look like your going to do this time) and an Army livery (green/camo). Hopefully we all get to enjoy seeing the evolution. Cheers ☕🐢
Thanks Crazylocha, and thanks for making it possible! I will look into stencils for the markings - it worked a treat on the 1/24 Spitfire and it's a lot easier to weather.
The Zero was an IJ Navy fighter. The IJ Army didn't use it, at all. In 1941 the standard Army fighter was the Nakajima Ki43, which did somewhat resemble a Zero but had different wing and tail surfaces. The Vertical tail was entirely different in outline..
I would rate the Eduard Profipack models as one of the best you can get. The printed photo etch is amazing. They are not the easiest kits to make but really satisfying for the more experienced modeler.
In the stash, without the extras, Was the first kit I bought coming back to building, still working towards doing it justice. A favourite aircraft; I might just build along for fun.
When i decided to get back into modelling after a 15 year break .. my return kit was an Eduard Prifipack 109 E4. I was equally blown away by the quality, the extras and the detail. They are quality kits, and I am sure this Zero kit will build well.
Can I give you a tip Gary? Vallejo has very good colors, that match the colors of the zerro, their 71312. And if you look at original photos, you see that the moving parts have a lighter color than the rest of the plane. Vallejo uses 71312 for this.
You know that’s what I’m trying to do with my Concorde build ,I had one of those moments when my mods nearly went west 😊,but now she’s A ok,so I’m leaving it for a few days when it gets a chore I walk away then come back ,I know your zero will be a 10 boom boom ,all the best bud Mark news at 10 Hammersmith 😊😊
Building this kit for a few weeks now, used the suggested colour mix but for me the result is a bit dark came out more olive, it is a nice kit but as with all Eduard 1/48 very very small parts and photo etch/decals. First kit I have tried to add fading effects on the finish.. Used Mr Colour/hobby paints. Is a lovely fit, The main red decals seem a bit dark as well, so maybe look at after market
Interesting that the rivet detail on the fuselage is recessed but inside the cockpit they are all raised. Always that way and I'm just slow to notice? (Answer is probably 'Yes' :))
Look forward to seeing how you get on, your usual builds are very good so something special will hard nothing like some pressure to bring out the best 👍
you'll love that Gary !!!! i've just started the BF110C/D from Eduard and so far it goes together like an absolute dream !!! i might get myself a 1/48 one at some point ...take care Shaun.
Terrific project, Gary. Is there a clear sheet to go between the instrument etchings and bezels, to simulate glass? One of the things that drives me is that even coloured etchings are still flat, not round.
I’m notorious for taking my aircraft kits in 1/48 slow..But to me slow and sure pays.But unlike Gary I haven’t got the pressure of building for a channel..So I’m glad Gary is going to take as long as project Zero takes in the background.I think it will good for all in the end and I’m sure it will come out excellent.. Just something to consider..ICM Japanese aircraft paint set do a wonderful shade of zero paint.!.Just seems to have the correct tone for the zero..Also and a bit off subject,but not..I’ve got as well as the super Eduard Zero,the academy one..Really got to say if you do have a chance to grab one do.!.Outstanding and the parts for a A6-M5,is in it so should also be on its way..I know I’ll be grabbing one..Japanese aircraft of WW2 are my thing.Good luck and Banzai Gary.!🇯🇵👍
Not to sure about eduard decals, the film is still on you have to wait 24 hrs thay say to peel off ,also you have to put a matt coat of varnish down, i myself would like to know right way myself, enjoy .
Hi Gary. I look forward to this build, and gaining some more clever techniques off your efforts. I have already learnt some new stuff from your works. I hope you include your research, at least in as far as talking about where you find out things. That might help some of your younger viewers with a few clues as to what to look for in their own efforts (me too but at my age i'm supposed to know, so I won't admit to my ignorance!). Best of luck with this.
'... Interestingly [Mr Hobby] don't have this as a single colour...' Maybe it's a colour only the IJN used, and Mr Hobby find not enough kits are sold to make a special paint economically viable. Maybe modellers buy more British, US and German kits. I wonder if colours on Italian aircraft fare the same? Do Mr Hobby do the colour in the Mr Paint range?
Or maybe there was a lot of variation and not such rigidly defined standards. Tamiya do a "JN Grey" which is quite greenish, a bit like what Airfix suggest for the Zero, but Vallejo use "IJN Medium Grey" which looks like a warm grey colour.
I would check out this color for the early A6M2. Sand FS 30277. It was a U.S. Army vehicle color. I have seen this in other references. And it might be a good starting point...
Look at the date on the decals. If they are 2020 or before they will be the old style decals. Post 2020 are the new peelable decals. Eduard also changed the box style with the new decals. So for instance the profipacks went from orange to gold. I believe if you purchase a re released older profipack (orange) kit it will have the old decals inside. I think!...but yes look out for the Decal sheet date 👍
A strange fact about other you-tubers, your fingers, and thumb are normal, other people bite their nails to a dangerous degree, which put me right off from watching the video, thankful you don't have that distraction. Great review.
