1:48 A6M3 Zero gun bays short barrel PRINT

A6M3 Zero wing cannon bays, short barrel, 1:48 scale

Eduard is among the Czech manufacturers who have made detail sets for aircraft modelers for a long time and across a wide range. This item covers the wing cannon bays of the A6M3 and is listed in the form for the short barrel. The manufacturer also offers the long-barrel form alongside it, so when choosing you have to go by which machine you are building; the two sets look similar in a listing and differ precisely in this detail.

The real subject

The A6M3 is a development version of the Japanese Zero carrier fighter with the Sakae 21 engine. Part of the armament consisted of 20 mm cannons located in the wing, and it was there that a change occurred during production: the earlier form had a shorter barrel with a smaller ammunition supply, the later one a longer barrel that protruded noticeably from the leading edge. For a modeler it is one of the most usable distinguishing features of the individual series, and that is why the sets for the two forms are not interchangeable.

Building and painting tips

The bays are fitted into the wing, so expect to remove some of the plastic; work in small steps and test fit the parts dry as you go. Sand the cut surfaces, degrease the parts and spray them with a primer coat. Use cyanoacrylate glue to join them. The inside of the bays looks best with a darker wash and a discreet dry brush on the edges, mainly because once the wing is closed only part of the detail stays visible and contrast pulls it out.

Who the set is for

• For builders of the A6M3 Zero in 1:48 scale
• For modelers who want the wing armament bays open
• For those who distinguish the individual production series of the aircraft
• For more experienced builders who will take on modifying the wing