Hi Shipmates,

Starting my build diary for the Akagi here today, thanks for looking. And as usual, any comments and/or suggestions gratefully received. Thank you!

Good stuff glenn

This post has been moved to post 13

The Hull, funnel and Mitsubishi A6M Zero


Zero fighter plane assembly: Steps 11 - 19







Here you have the pictures of my first zero. Construction was very straight forward, but if I had a pound for every time I dropped the wheel assembly and then had to go scrambling around the floor looking for it. I would be a rich man.
Anyway, I test fitted the propeller and conopy and both fitted fine. I think I will use Humbrol clear fix to attach the canopy as super glue will fog the plastic. No painting yet as per instructions, but I am toying with the idea of using enamel for the aircraft, as I think this will look better. I'm not sure what type of paint will be used in the official build, but I'm also thinking of a gloss finish because I want the aircraft to stand out. What do you guys think?

Thanks for your kind comments Mike

Assembling the island: steps 6 - 16































Now, those of you that have been following my build diary will recognise the first four pictures. They were a bit blurred and grainy and not very good. Well I've learned how to use my camera a bit better and have taken some new pictures which are far better quality. These are pictures 5 - 10 in this post being number 13. The final shots are of the island with squadron putty filling any gaps that are visible. Sanding this smooth to follow of course. I don't think it would look very good if I left it 'au-natural.'

Attaching the rails to the funnel: Steps 20 - 26






The funnel rail photo etched parts cut out and glued into place, with super glue. The diagram in the instructions helped with the placement, but you still have to be cautious because a couple of the funnel rails are quite close together in size. All done, and went through this section without incident.

the only thing I could suggest is......stick the canopy on after you have put decals on and go and have a cup of tea(or something stronger)and feel proud you managed to get that far,because there is no way you can see anything inside the cockpit even after you have painted an ant's goggles and scarf.

now their's a thought,stick a sugar lump on the agaki and stick it in the garden and watch them swarming all over might even start a colony on board.