1:72 A6M5c Zero

A6M5c Zero 1:72 — photo-etched detail set

This product is not a kit but a photo-etched detail set in 1:72 scale from the Czech manufacturer Eduard. It contains fine photo-etched parts that refine and bring to life a plastic model of the A6M5c Zero — they add and replace details that injection-molded plastic cannot capture faithfully.

The real subject

The Mitsubishi A6M Zero was a Japanese carrier-based fighter of the Second World War and a symbol of the Imperial Japanese Navy Air Service. It stood out for its long range and excellent agility. The A6M5c version (Model 52c) was one of the late variants with strengthened armament and armor, meant to face the growing superiority of Allied fighters. Despite the increased weight the Zero kept its reputation as an exceptionally agile machine.

Building and painting tips

Photo-etched parts are intended for advanced modelers. The individual parts are separated from the fret with a sharp knife, bent on a bending tool or over a sharp edge and joined with super glue (cyanoacrylate); larger surfaces can also be soldered. Degrease the parts before gluing so that they hold well. You unify the assembly with a coat of primer, followed by airbrushing and fine highlighting with a wash. The set is an accessory to a plastic A6M5c Zero kit in 1:72 scale, which has to be bought separately.

Who the set is for

• For advanced modelers who want to get the maximum detail out of a kit.
• For builders of the A6M5c Zero in 1:72 scale.
• For collectors of Japanese carrier fighters and Second World War aircraft.
• For modelers who are confident with photo-etched parts, bending and super glue.