Mitsubishi Zero Fighters
Part 4

Lifelike Decals, 1/48 scale

Reviewed by Luke Pitt

Legendary is a word often used to describe the Japanese Zero WWII fighter.

Many in the west thought it impossible the fledging Japanese aircraft industry could produce a world beating fighter of this type, let alone a carrier-based aircraft. To say the type was feared when first encountered is an understatement.

Lifelike Decals is known for their research and attention to detail and this new decal sheet is no exception.

This new limited edition Decal set is a little different from the norm , it covers 15 different marking choices for the  Zero from the early type 11 and 21 to the later type 52 in “OTSO”,”KO” and “HEI” variations together with an A6M2-N Floatplane.

This reference work (and yes, I will call it that)  comes with 3 beautifully printed Microscale decal sheets covering the marking choices on three sheets that include stencils on one, the Hinomaru on the next and all the marking choices on the last sheet.

These marking choices are then illustrated on a full colour decal marking guide,

The thing that separates this set from the rest is the meticulous research that has gone into not only the marking choices but the various colour variations of the different marks of the Zero fighter.

A 14 page reference package is included and covers intriguing details like the tint of Grey J3 used on early examples to the Hinomaru tints and their locations.

Not content with that each aircraft featured  is examined in detail giving  stories, engagements s and pilots who piloted them. Eight  Type 21, one Type 22, one Type 32 and four Type 52s are provided for together with one floatplane.

The decal sheet even suggests the kits that may be used from the Hasegawa or Tamiya and Eduard examples .

I believe is the last set of four sets from Lifelike devoted to the Zero and it really is the gold standard on which any decal sheet should be judged.

Research is meticulous, the decal presentation is thin and precise and the presentation flawless.

Decal sheets like this don’t come around often.

I might even  go out on a limb here and suggest that if you like the marking choices or indeed have a liking for the Zero itself,  you may want to purchase this set and the others in the series of 4.

These are a reference gold mine for the modeller and indeed amateur historian.

Highly Recommended.

Thanks to Lifelike Decals for these samples.

Text and Images Copyright © 2024 by Luke Pitt
Page Created 29 November, 2024
Last updated 29 November, 2024

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