Cheers Mike, always happy to help and there will be more of that as the Zero progresses. That's what makes the diaries so interesting I think - the fact that we can all feed off each other's info and experiences ?? Good stuff mate and look forward to seeing more photos.

Kev

Congratulations Jase I think that is a great choice

This Aifix 1/72 scale Zero is turning out to be a super fun build, I am glad I bought it.

I am just in the process of cutting the wing tips off, to do the folding wing tip enhancement. Enjoy your build Jase. Mike

Morning Mike,

That's interesting !! Wasn't aware of the light blue colour in earlier Zero cockpits, though I am still learning, like the rest of us !! I take it you aren't referring to the metallic looking 'Aotake' Blue, but an actual light blue paint ?? Aotake was used on some parts of the Japanese aircraft as a sort of barrier coating against corrosion, usually around areas like flaps, wheel bays, folding wing tips, etc.

Will have to do some more investigating when I get five minutes (very busy for a few days) and get back to you on it, so we can compare notes ?? What does your 'Aero Detail #7' book say about the early Zero cockpit colours ?? Maybe Tom has some info on the subject ??

Interesting stuff Mike, thanks for bringing it up !!

P.S. - Edit to this post - Since writing this post, I have just found some more interesting sites that discuss the correct colours for Japanese aircraft colours and added them to the 'Aircraft Markings and Paint Reference' section in my library. Check them out, but I warn you they are somewhat confusing and it would seem that there has been a debate for many years about the correct colours !! I don't see 'Light Blue' mentioned anywhere for cockpit interiors, though there is some mention of the 'Aotake' blue, so maybe that is what you are seeing ?? If you have definite info about the use of 'Light Blue' Mike, please let me know where I can find it as it would be much appreciated !!

Kev

Hi Mike,

I will be doing more investigating before I get to the cockpit on the build and that is quite a way off yet anyway. From what I've read the original Mitsubishi Interior Green used on the production line was almost the same shade as the interior green used in American WWII aircraft but with a very slight greyish/brown hue to it. Also the Zero was made by both Mitsubishi AND Nakajima (under licence) and even then the interior green between the two varied slightly on the same aircraft, so what hope of getting it exactly right when even the original manufacturers of the Zero couldn't ?? Will be interesting to see what the instructions recommend as the model did originate in Japan so I would imagine they'd have a better idea than most as to what was used in reality ??

Kev

AIRFIX 1/72 SCALE A6M2b MODEL 21 ZERO

Here we are again Team,wanted to do the folding wing tip enhancement the (b) inthe above model no denoted the folding wing tip modification in order that the plane could be stowed on Aircraft carriers.

The (a) suffix denoted non folding, for land based aircraft.

First I cutoff the wing tips;-

ISSUE 01 ZERO FIGHTER

Hi Team I have just looked at my subscription page the above issue ships on the 15th January

Happy building

Mike

P.S. better finish my 1/72 Zero

Thanks for that MR T Cheers Mike

AIRFIX 1/72 A6M2b ZERO

Now the engine cowl is on, and yes she stands up!! Thats a miracle :-

How have you fond the fit? I stopped building Airfix kits because I got fed up with lots of flash and poor fit. may of their kits don't appear to have had new tooling since the 70s. I have to say your Zero looks really good.

AIRFIX 1/72 SCALE A6M2b ZERO

Just thought you would like to see the enhancement I have done with the rising sun banner on the pilots head