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A6M3 Zero Type 32

by Glenn Irvine

 

A6M3 Zero Type 32

 

 


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Introduction

 

Here is Hasegawa's 1/72 scale A6M3 Zero Type 32.

The Zero holds a special place for me when it comes to aircraft. When I was a small boy my father sat me in the cockpit of a derelict ‘gate guard’ at the Kavieng airstrip and the memory has stayed with me ever since - especially when the propellor started to turn while I was in the cockpit and I thought it was going to take off!!As a result I have always wanted to build a fully detailed model of this beautiful aircraft.

 

 

I chose the model 32 as I like the clipped wing look and there is a wonderful painting by “B3/77" titled “Wirraway downs Zero” in a book called “RAAF LOG”, published by the Australian War Memorial in 1943, which inspired met.

As an aside, the subject aircraft I modelled, was later released by Hasegawa as a limited release with special markings. This release also had the decals for the other type 32 I wanted to do. It had the presentation writing down the fuselage sides, but making those myself was a bit beyond me. Isn't  it always the way?

 


 

Modifications

 

  • A combination of Hawkeye Designs and Eduard cockpit detail sets and some scratchbuilt parts

  • A Falcon vacform canopy

  • Lowered flaps ( Eduard)

  • Scratchbuilt wheel wells,including thinning down upper wing halves to gain correct depth

  • Detailed engine with wiring harness,pushrod tubes and distributor housing (you can't see it, but I know its there

  • Thinned down propellor blades

  • Refined engine cowling and replace carburettor intake detail

  • Lowered elevators

  • Replaced ingtip navigation lights with coloured plastic

  • Hollowed out tailwheel well and repositioned tailwheel

  • Scratchbuilt D.F. loop

  • Formed metal canopy guide rails/cockpit sills

  • Embossed rivet detail

  • Rebuilt oleo leg covers and wheel well doors

  • Flattened tyres,brake lines and oleo torque scissors

  • Airbrushed markings and homemade decals

 





 

References

 

  • Squadron Signal Zero in Action No.5

  • Famous Airplanes of the World No’s. 5 & 9

  • Airpower Volume 7 No.2

  • Zero Fighter - Robert C. Mickesh

  • Profile No. 190 ‘Zero’
     

 

 

Additional Images

 

Click the thumbnails below to view larger images:

Text, Images and Model Copyright © 2001 by Glenn Irvine
Page Created 08 December, 2001
Last Updated 04 June, 2007

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