#histscalemodels
#scalemodels
#A6M2
1/2
Eduard 1/48 Tora Tora Tora A6M2 (model 21) Zero.
Lt. Lida, IJN Soryu, 2nd wave.
Final pics🙂
Also in the comments I've attached some info on Lt. Lida.

#histscalemodels
#scalemodels
#A6M2
Here is my build of Eduards A6M2 Tora Tora Tora Zero!
It depicts the A6M of Lt. Fusata Lida, IJN Soryu, second attack wave, December 7th 1941.
It crashed on Kaneohe killing Lt Lida.
❤ building this kit & I'm pleased with the overall accuracy of the build & color!🙂

#histscalemodels
#scalemodels
#A6M2

This pic shows the Eduard decals after I've removed the clear film.
Since I was replacing them I used reg masking tape too pull it up.
Pulled clear film off but color was still there, like slightly worn paint, very tough!
Perfect for a used A6M, not fresh ones.

#histscalemodels
#scalemodels
#A6M2

The Scale Gods were with me!
The Eduard Blue was a NO so its Aeromaster to the rescue!
I have a Tora set from 1995 worked perfectly!
Hinomarus also were to light.
Ok for a worn bird but these Tora A6M2s were all fresh.
The Ed decals went on PERFECTLY! Very Tough!

#histscalemodels
#scalemodels
#A6M2

Ugh.
Let mission models paint dry a day.
Slower than Tamiya & not as tough so I let it harden then AK Gauzy clear. Good so far.
BUT, decals not very Blue Mr Eduard!😡
I really wanted the Hiryu Blue but what do ya'all think?🤔
I'm off to No Kings these criminals!🇺🇲😎

#histscalemodels
#scalemodels
#A6M2

Deep breath...
It's time for Eduard 'new' decals.
I love the Dual Combo kits!
Specifically the load of markings you get!
I read recently that Ed new decals work best w/ room temp H2O.
Peeling the film is nerve wracking though😬
So I made a Spice Cake w/ raisins🥳

#histscalemodels
#scalemodels
#A6M2
I thought the last run still to dark so I bumped white to 30%.
And this last mix is more my target zone🙂

#histscalemodels
#scalemodels
#A6M2

Color! Ok, loads o research & close exam on museum restorations I went with the mission models Zero Amber & lightened it w/ about 20% white.
I went towards the shade of USAF museum A6M2, pic of tail below.
The 2nd, an A6M3 may be darker than Pearl Harbor A6Ms.

#histscalemodels
#scalemodels
#A6M2

And here more on how sweet the fit is on Eduards 48th A6M, this is the wing just clicked into place, no glue!
Almost no gap.
The wing set with Tamiya thin cement & finger pressure, no clamps!
I've been impressed with the other new Eduard kits but this is better🤠

#histscalemodels
#scalemodels
#A6M2
A museum A6M cocpit & my tiny version...

#histscalemodels
#scalemodels
#A6M2

We have an A6M2 cockpit!
This Eduard kit is FABULOUS!
I've done the Wildcat & P-40E, both were awesome, near perfect.
But this kit just clicks together!
I didn't even do all the possible PE.
I don't usually do much tiny detail in 1/48 but it was so easy🙂

#histscalemodels
#scalemodels
#A6M2

Some test colors.
Mission Models mmp-110 on left.
Tamiya Khaki xf49.
Tamiya IJN grey green xf76.
Xf76 is on right. Khaki is the dark one in the middle. I'm using that for interior along with metallic blue.
Mission is on the left.
I'm leaning left, by nature🙂

#histscalemodels
#scalemodels
#A6M2

Two freshly painted, restored early A6M, 1 at the Military History Museum in Washington State.
It's interesting how the color can appear notably lighter or darker between images.
Obviously many reasons why but a curious feature which has been mis-analyzed often.

#histscalemodels
#scalemodels
#A6M2

IJN A6M Zero colors research.
Diving into more recent data on the actual color of these aircraft.
A VERY elusive shade which presents quite differently depending on lighting, wear & for models, Scale Effect.
Note the Dec 7th samples.
These A6Ms were all new.

#histscalemodels
#scalemodels
#A6M2 Model 11/21

Surprise!🇯🇵
I haven't built a Zero since the 70s, the omnipresent Monogram kit...
A few more bits in this box!🙂