Build Review - Frustration & Airfix's A6M2b Zero (A01005) - Part 1

I'm sure we've all been there, a nice easy night planned doing a few simple modelling tasks. Well tonight was that night, I was going to work on Airfix's 1:72 A6M2b Zero and then spend the rest of the evening writing a blog post (but not this one).

However things didn't go to plan due to a frustrating evening caused by a bad set of instructions. So time to turn that frustration to something helpful for anyone wishing to build this kit.

The part in question is the fitting of machine guns and the cowl that covers them. In step 5 you attach the machine guns to the underside of the cowl before fixing them in place in step 7. However the part is too wide to slot in vertically as shown in the instructions.

Step 5

Step 7

Thankfully I hadn't attached the engine as the only way in was to try and slide the cowl and guns in from engine end. This was awkward as the parts kept catching which resulted in parts 14C and 8A separating on numerous attempts. Eventually I managed it with the aid of a dental tool and a small file to push them into place, Although the two parts were slightly separated it shouldn't be noticeable once the canopy's fixed in place. A dab of glue on part 8A before sliding it in sees that it attaches to the top of the control panel in the cockpit.


Anyway, I hope that's some help if you are planning on building this kit and have been doing an internet search before getting started!

While I'm here I may as well put up a picture of the cockpit parts and the pilot. I really dislike painting people at this scale however this pilot painted up really well (this photo doesn't do him justice). The cockpit has some small details which paint up nicely, and the dials are decals which do the job just fine.

So despite the minor setbacks so far it's a nice kit, I'm sure further updates will follow.