It does answer my question Andy. Thanks.

I just thought that if replacing the distributor ring with one of the metal ones was possible then it would make the cabling fitting just that bit easier.

Hey! If you don't ask the question then how are we expected to learn! LOL

I am tempted to invest in some alclad II, airbrush and compressor for the working engine. Was your paintjob done with brush or airbrush?

James

James there is a mountain of airbrushes out there and if you do not choose wisely then you could end up spending money and wasting it... Get yourself a good cheap one and practice wth that first to get used to it. There are plenty for around £20-£40 so that won't break the bank.. Once your confident with using one then it will only be a matter of time before you'll be making and spraying models like a professional!

Here's a question I need answering I see a lot of people polishing the front blades but using what is called a tea colour on the rear of the props.. Why is this? Is there a reason for it on the real thing?. I can't imagine its so the pilot knows there still rotating!

Spencer

Hi Andy great job you are doing Kind regards Mike

Hi Spence,The navel zero (A6M2b) had mattblack added to the rear of the propellers, to prevent glaring reflection from the water, and sun ,preventing the pilot from flying without problem.

Some other operational A6M3`s 1942 known as models 32 and 22(coloured green top, sky blue bottem ) had matt brown painted on the rear of the propellers, again to aid reflection, but also as a first sign of camouflage.

I hope this helps

Kind regards Mike

Hi All
Some more progress I have added the decals to the engine case and propelor.
Now some of you have your engines has anyone fired there's up yet, I like at the end when the engine is running down then bursts into life as the remaining fuel is burnt up, a nice little touch I thought.
More soon
regards
Andy

Hi Andy
There will be a translation for the instructions as a download shortly but here's a run down on the button functions.
Ok with the infa-red bulb pointing away from you and the on off switch to your right you will have 3 buttons with Japanese written on them. A single one to the top with 2 below it;

Button 1 at the top/ This is the on/off switch press once to start or stop.

Button 2 on the left/ This is the volume up button

Button 3 to the right/ This is the volume down button

Hope this helps
Regards
Andy

Looks good Andy. I like your prop and spinner.

I think that I will be doing my engine slightly different regarding colour with humbrol spray 191 Chrome Silver Metallic for the prop and spinner with matt black on the rear of the blades.

Indeed, as has already been mentioned, up to 1943 and the main colour change the back of the prop blades on the zero were matt black. This was done to prevent the pilot being dazzled/blinded by light reflection from the spinning blades.

At the colour change a red/brown colour was introduced for the blades both front and back as well as the spinners, although on certain aircraft the spinner was painted the same as the body. I have found several sources that have information that each aircraft manufacturer had their own shade official shade of the red/brown.

I think that die to the infra-red bulb being built into one of the cylinders then I will brush paint the cylinders with a flat steel and maybe mix in a little metallic black to make detail pop a little.

Yes... I have played with the engine a little and I have been told that the bit at the end where the engine suddenly bursts back into life is when the carburettors are flushed out to remove fuel.

My Little Nephew (of destructive fame) was fascinated by the engine sound and was busy pointing out the detail and asking all about it. I did let him start and stop the engine - after all it is only a couple of button presses - what could go wrong?

I think that this Christmas I may start him off with an Airfix spitfire! His mum (my sister) may not like me for this, but better him braking his own models than mine!!!!!!!

Good Job so far Andy. I like it

James

why didn't the powers to be just give the pilots a pair of shades.

Hi Snnap
As im sure you already know the details of army and navy Zeros and there preferred painting by either is a bone of contention amongst modellers all over the world, you obviously have your sources as I have mine you say matt black was the front facing propelor colour my sources say it was either a gloss or semi-gloss black as it was more hard wearing in a salt enviroment as for the tea colour you need to delve a little deeper than wiki to get the information needed and you can paint yours blue if you want its your engine . A small piece of tissue paper in the infa red hole will stop any over spray in this area the same with the speaker area.
You should also take time to read other peoples posts all the way through as this will stop you repeating things already said.
Thanks as always for your comments
regards
Andy