Parker Ewing has been bitten by the Zero bug- twice. Thankfully, he’s willing to share it with us. In math, two times zero may equal zero, but in modeling Zero two times is equal to twice the fun!
I knew I was in trouble when Tamiya released their 32nd scale Zero. The famous Mitsubishi, along with the Corsair and the D-9, are my favorite all-time aircraft. This model was long rumored as Mr. Tamiya himself had apparently directed the project be completed as a source of national pride. Well, I can tell you without hesitation he succeeded. This kit, along with the AM Avenger, (in my opinion) are the best kits ever produced. The engineering, fidelity, and accuracy stand at the pinnacle of this hobby industry. The problem for me is that I can’t stop building them.
I never had an interest in the early war Zeros until recently when I read Shattered Sword and The First Team. Both book are in-depth analysis of early war battles. These works are specifically to blame for me having to get the A6M2 when it came out.
I do remember reading how the early war Zeros were waxed up and clean, so I used Pollyscale Satin as a finish. Many seem to struggle with Pollyscale paints and flats, but I’ve never had a problem by just doing the following: Cut 50% with alcohol, and strain the paint through pantyhose. Just make sure your wife knows where you got them. The light cream color really stressed me out as there were so many different schools of thought out there on the correct shade. Tamiya’s special color released for this aircraft looked snot green to me, so I discarded it and made my own. The prop was Alclad chrome.
With the green A6M3, I wanted to show the engine, so I got Eduard’s photoetch set and CMK’s engine set. I love CMK stuff, but gotta say the kit engine was actually better. I tried to replicate stressed paint by lightly sanding the surface.
Wish I could remember more, but these were a while back. I do know that I’ve been eyeing that Zero engine sound and start-up pack. It’s just a matter of time before I need to do another one.
My name is Parker Ewing, and I’m 39 years old and blessed with a wonderful wife and three wild little boys. I became a Christian at 21 but didn’t discover modeling until around seven or years ago. For me, the hobby is the perfect storm of history, patience and skill. My biggest challenge is prioritizing modelling time and not going overboard with it. I’ll admit I’ve sat through a few sermons thinking about the seams on that B-17. That said, it keeps me home, occupied, and has even made me a little money. Any questions or advice is more than welcomed. I can be reached anytime phudson33@aol.com.