Mitsubishi A6M5 Zero

Tamiya, 1/72 scale

Reviewed by Brett Green

Tamiya's 1/72 scale A6M5 Zero will be available online from Squadron
 

It must be around a decade since Tamiya released their game-changing 1/32 scale A6M5 Zero. The level of detail in that kit was unsurpassed at the time.

In 2008, Tamiya pulled another rabbit out of the hat with their 1/48 scale A6M5/5a kit. This was all-new, having nothing in common with the earlier Tamiya Zero family, and it too set new standards of detail, fit and engineering.

I suppose it should therefore be no surprise that Tamiya has now completed a clean sweep of the Zero market with a brand new 1/72 scale Mitsubishi A6M5 Zero.

Tamiya's new 1/72 scale A6M5 comprises 62 parts in grey plastic; five parts in clear; two polythene caps and decals for three marking options.

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Thumbnail panels:

Moulding quality is perfect. Surface detail is remarkable for this small scale, mainly by way of very finely recessed panel lines, with some subtly raised fabric strips on control surfaces. Selected rows of subtle rivets are present along some of the lower wing and forward fuselage panel lines too.

Detail is excellent throughout, but the cockpit in particular is a gem. In my opinion, it even pips Tamiya's 1/72 scale P-47 cockpits – and that is no mean feat! The seat is realistically thin. Lightening holes are represented by indentations, but a few minutes with a pun vise will hollow them out. Sidewall detail is deep and accurate, with the various quadrants and boxes added from separate parts.

The floor features an open space for the clear viewing window.

The instrument panel is mounted on the back of the ammunition bins and with the gun breeches included. The panel features decal instruments, which should look fantastic if carefully aligned.

The wheel wells are authentically deep and busy.

The engine is equally good. It is made up of only four parts, but it looks great. Cooling fin detail is crisp, while pushrods are moulded to the front cylinder face.

The one-piece engine cowling is seamless.

Cowl flaps are moulded shut, and all control surfaces are in neutral positions, including the closed landing flaps.

Poly caps are used to fit the propeller assembly and the drop tank.

The clear parts are thin and completely free of distortion. Alternative canopy parts are included for closed or open configurations – a nice touch. A well detailed reflector gunsight is also provided in clear.

Markings are supplied for three aircraft. All are finished in IJN Green and IJN Grey. The decal sheet includes printed harness straps for the pilot's seat.

Tamiya’s 2008 1/48 scale A6M5 Zero included canopy masks but its smaller sibling does not. That is a shame, as the task of cutting out masking tape strips for these tiny canopy frames will be even more onerous in 1/72 scale.

Tamiya's 1/72 A6M5 Zero is beautifully detailed, with one of the best small scale cockpits straight from the box seen to date. The model should be a pleasure to build thanks to the thoughtful planning of Tamiya's designers too.

Even if you are not a big fan of Japanese aircraft, you would be doing yourself a favour by sampling the sheer excellence of Tamiya's new 1/72 scale Mitsubishi A6M5 Zero.

I do hope that Tamiya will be working through the whole Zero family.

Thanks to Tamiya Japan for the sample
Tamiya kits are distributed in te UK by The Hobby Company Limited

Text and Images Copyright © 2012 by Brett Green
Page Created 15 March, 2012
Last updated 15 March, 2012

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