A6M2 Zero, Border Model 1/35

[dennismcc]

It probably looks great but all I can see are the dreaded purple squares.

 

Cheers

 

Dennis

[AngryJazz_Models]

Thank you very much @Greif8 !

The Imgur situation is quite annoying - it's been my prefered image host for the longest time. Do you know if there is a fix coming for the UK community? Is it just a temporary situation or do we need to look into a permanent replacement?

[Shoggz]

I think it's unlikely we'll get a fix - sadly 

 

 

 

[Jaro]

Great effort on this built. It's a shame the pretty new model, with all benefits of the CAD, CAM technologies etc. comes with so many issues.

 

The past times are coming back - triple dry fitting when two steps ahead of the cementing. But you will manage; keeping fingers crossed!

 

[AngryJazz_Models]

Thank you Jaro! And you are absolutely right...

 

Also thank you to the UK guys - even though you can't really see the images 😅

I guess i have to look for another image host - I'll see if I can get some time tonight.

 

Meanwhile... since I don't trust this kit... Im adding all parts I can get away with. 

Yep sure enough the wingtip lights don't fit. Sand and polish. 
In retrospect I should have added the colored bulb in the glass... It came to me as I was cleaning up for the evening...

 

No good...

 

Fixed both

 

Then finally some primer to fix the last seams. One ghost seam to fix on the nose was the most noticeable. 

 

 

Then Tamiya LP11 as a base for chipping effects. This also doubles as a better base to paint the orange later.

I did not bother to get a perfect coverage since it's just a base color... Well I did regret this later... 

 

 

 

 

Since this is just a glorified paint mule at this stage... I'm just going to experiment with some layered chipping and see what I learn.

 

Vallejo Chipping fluid applied and red sprayed on top to imitate primer.

I could not find a definite answer on the primer color, but red was suggested on some sites. Red would work well with the orange, so its good enough for me 😄

 

Chipped down

 

 

 

 

[Mal_Belford]

Looks real fine.

 

But....as i know it, the glass is colored, not the lamp.

 

This link. So no harm done here, just paint the glass.

 

Red and blue.

 

 

Edited October 8, 2025 by Mal_Belford

[AngryJazz_Models]

Thanks @Mal_Belford! Guess I got lucky this time 😄
Im not usually the type of modeler that does a lot of research. I get my enjoyment from the building and painting 😄

 

Part 2 of the painting the mule. I did not have time to post all at once earlier today.

 

Im sorry the pictures are just quick snaps from my workbench. I just took a quick picture every time I set the model down to do the next task.

Its all painted in 1 session from the silver base and onward.

 

After chipping the red - another layer of chipping fluid before the main color Gunze C-58.

Oh man I knew it was a difficult color to get a solid coat with... But it did really take many layers...

And this is where the not perfect silver would show issues. There would form some darker spots under the orange where the coverage of silver was poor. I suspect the leveling thinner I used in the orange also reactivated the base a little... causing the spots...

You can also see some build up of debris on the wingroots. This is both the chipping fluid and the many layers... I will take care of it later.

 

Color is also a bit more yellow than I would like.

 

 

 

Post shading with a drop of red added to the mix.

Looks a bit messy, but will be toned down.

 

 

 

Blending the colors and shifting the tone to a more orange finish.

 

 

 

Chipping. 

Paint looks a bit rough - its still a bit wet 😅

Had to really work to get the chipping going through all the layers... Toothbrush, fiberglass pen, wire brush and sandpaper

You can see the layered effect in some places.

 

 

 

 

 

I had to mask up the cowling color... I knew it was a huge risk over the chipping fluid.

Detacted the tape and just went for it... 

 

It did lift a little paint and only 1 larger flake on one side... The layered red makes for a interesting pattern.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Mal_Belford]

Oh dear...this looks so good @AngryJazz_Models...geez you give me cravings to build something in orange/yellowish.

 

And you know...love them bench pictures....as that is where it happens.

 

Nothing wrong with pro shots on clean backround...how to build...but hey prefer more bench pics...but thats me.

 

And yes im with you as me do same...love em ww2 aircraft, only correct things i think is needed. but hey been way more on my own current build than expected...lol alot ln research on the mystery aircraft lol...and yes never a struggle...the opposite...its has almost become an obsession that you never want it to end 😁..

 

 

Edited October 8, 2025 by Mal_Belford

[Greif8]

Very nice airbrush work.  Your chipping effects look quite good.  Though as you found out, it is notoriously difficult to get good coverage,I like the yellow, it is not often seen.

 

Ernest

[AngryJazz_Models]

Thank you very much for the motivation guys 😄

 

I have 2 issues with the decals... First I don't have enough insignia with the white border and second all numbering is yellow / red. The numbering won't really work with a orange color...

 

I painted a white band on the tail so I can use the red "AI-155"... But I really wanted black lettering. Im thinking about placing tape on top and making a mask, but im not sure ill get it good enough.

Also the control surfaces were masked and painted a lighter color.

 

Since I don't have a silhouette cutter - im going to use my Dspaie circle cutter. 

Only issue is that I have to paint red - then white. The cutter cant really do the white "cutout" since its so hard to position after adjusting the size for another cut.

 

Oh and I never tried to paint markings before, so will be fun! 😄

 

 

Not easy to place the masks when you can't see through the tape

 

 

Here we go - Gunze C-385 followed by white.

Not easy getting good coverage.

 

 

But wow it was satisfying to peel the tape!

It's not perfect, but more than good enough for me on a first try 😄

Little touch up and then I need to decide on the tail lettering and decals.

 

 

 

[Mal_Belford]

Yes..yes...all this look mighty fine @AngryJazz_Models...all is taking shape here...

[Greif8]

Brilliant solution and excellent execution in making your own masks.  The result looks great!

 

Ernest

[geedubelyer]

That's a striking colour scheme. 

I really like the orange. 

 

Keep at it 

[ChuckD]

Keep fighting the good fight, Ben!  Despite the kit, you're turning out a great product!

[scvrobeson]

Wow, that's awesome! Love seeing an alternate scheme like this, and you're doing a brilliant job with it.

 

 

Matt