Mitsubishi A6M2b Zero

Tamiya, 1/72 scale

Reviewed by Brett Green

Tamiya's 1/72 scale A6M2b Zero will be available online from Squadron
 

Tamiya released their game-changing 1:32 scale A6M5 Zero more than a decade ago, followed by their stunning 1:48 scale Zero in 2008.
 
It was therefore pleasing but no surprise when Tamiya released a brand new 1:72 scale Mitsubishi A6M5 Zero in the first quarter of 2012. When I reviewed that kit earlier this year, I noted my wish that Tamiya would work their way through the Zero family.

It seems as if my wish is coming true!

Tamiya has now delivered a new 1:72 scale A6M2b comprises 72 parts in grey plastic; five parts in clear; two polythene caps and decals for three marking options, all from the 2nd Strike Force during the attack on Pearl Harbor.

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

Thumbnail panels:

In common with its earlier sibling, 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 panel lines too.

 
Detail is excellent throughout, but the cockpit in particular is every bit as good as the superb A6M5 front office. The seat is realistically thin. Lightening holes are represented by indentations, but a few minutes with a pin 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 overall IJN Grey Green with Blue-Black cowlings. The aircraft depicted on the very attractive box art is not one of the marking options. Rather, it is a favourite painting of Mr. S. Tamiya.

 
The decal sheet includes printed harness straps for the pilot's seat.
 
Tamiya’s 1:48 scale Zeros include canopy masks but its smaller cousins do not.

Tamiya's 1:72 A6M2b Zero is beautifully detailed, with one of the best small scale cockpits straight from the box available today. 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 A6M2b Zero.

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 5 September, 2012
Last updated 6 September, 2012

Back to HyperScale Main Page