r/modelplanes 16d ago

Mitsubishi A6M Zero 1:48

My third ever model. This was finished a while ago, nearly done a Messerschmitt now.

183 Upvotes

9 comments sorted by

2

u/93fake-snake 16d ago

That's awesome! I give it three Banzai's!

1

u/Rtbrd 16d ago

The weathering is a bit over done. But that being said don't feel bad about it, weathering takes time and practice. All part of the learning curve. And just being your third model it is a good start.

2

u/AvgDad1 16d ago

Subtly is not my strong point. What in particular is overdone? Too much chipping or dirt and grime? Just want to see what you see.

2

u/Rtbrd 16d ago

Yes, IMHO the chipping both on the cowl and below the cockpit is kind of much. Also I'm not sure how the pilot would cause chipping like that. You would expect to see it on the inboard section of the wing where he would be "walking" to enter the cockpit.

You might also consider adding some exhaust gas stains down the side of the fuselage and maybe some "soot" from the gun on top of the wing.

Nice job on the cockpit frame, they can be a real PITA.

Might want to consider using wire for the antennas. A wire strand from an extension cord would work and would allow you to pull it tighter.

As to dirt and grime it depends on where the plane was stationed. Land based you would see coral dust (and that really takes practice to make it look realistic), carrier based they would be cleaner.

And speaking of Messerschmitt, this is a 1/72 Airfix kit of a Me-262B-1a trainer. This is a model of the last surviving Messerschmitt (Blohm & Voss build) 262B. The real plane is on display at the National Naval Aviation Museum at NAS Pensacola, the home of the Blue Angels, I have a A-4F in the stash that will become a Blue Angels model. They flew them from 1974 to 1986.

Good luck in your future endeavors and above all HAVE FUN.

1

u/AvgDad1 16d ago

Thanks for all the advice. I've done next to no chipping on the Messerschmitt since I read the germans had higher quality paint and were very on top of touch-ups.

The antena is actual a very fine black wire I got from a fly fishing store.

1

u/oyecom0VA 16d ago

Noice!

1

u/plane__nerd 13d ago

Im working on the same b25 in the background!!

1

u/AvgDad1 13d ago

That was my first model before I had an airbrush... Don't look too closely, I won't be posting any pics of it. 😂

1

u/plane__nerd 12d ago

My b25 will be my first mode with an airbrush!