A6M2 Zero Type 21

Eduard ProfiPACK, 1/48 scale

Reviewed by Brett Green

Eduard released the first of their 1:48 scale A6M Zero family in late 2021 with a Limited Edition, Dual Combo A6M2 Zero Type 21. This kit was labelled "Tora Tora Tora", and carried Pearl Harbour markings exclusively for the two kits contained in the carton.

Eduard has now released the first of their more standard ProfiPACK 1:48 scale A6M2 Zero Type 21 kits, with one in the box this time and markings for five options. Four of these were based on Pacific islands and one was on board the Japanese aircraft carrier Hiryu on 7 December 1941.

Eduard's 1:48 scale Zero ProfiPACK comprises 141 parts in grey coloured plastic (including 27 marked not for use), 23 parts in clear (10 not used), one colour photo-etched fret, self-adhesive die-cut masking sheet and markings for five aircraft. 27 of the grey parts and ten of the clear are marked not for use, so the actual parts count is quite modest.

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Thumbnail panels:

Surface texture is everything we have come to expect from Eduard - just gorgeous. There are very fine and crisply recessed panel lines, rivets and fasteners.

There are also rows of subtly raised rivets and weld beads on the drop tank, plus raised fabric rib stitching and wing panels. These really add to the effect and the closer you look, the better it gets! I can't see any moulding imperfections in my kit.

Assembly starts in the cockpit. Some structural detail is moulded onto the inside of the fuselage sides, and the front office is enhanced with Eduard’s excellent colour photo-etched parts. Separate parts are supplied for the fuse box, throttle quadrant, radios, side console, bulkheads and more. These are built up in layers on the inside of the fuselage halves.

The instrument panel may be finished with either the supplied colour photo-etched parts or decals. If you prefer, you could paint the plastic parts yourself too – the choice is yours.

The one-piece seat is moulded with full perforations and it looks quite acceptably thin. If you want thinner still, Eduard is offering a 3D printed seat as an aftermarket option.

Colour photo-etched harness straps are also included.

The cowl machine guns are also built into the front of the cockpit. The overall effect should look very busywhen this is all in place.

The engine is made up from just seven parts including the rear mount but detail is very crisp and fine. It should look very nice after careful painting and weathering.

Eduard supplies a cylindrical jig to help align the cowling parts during assembly. The cowl is made up from two sides, a top part with the gun troughs moulded in place and a separate intake duct for the bottom of the cowling. The jig is a great idea. It offers the best of both worlds – nice deep detail free from sink marks plus perfect alignment if the jig is used correctly.

The wings are conventionally presented as a full-span lower section and separate upper halves. The wheel wells are built up from five separate parts that are glued to the inside of the lower wing halves. One of these parts acts as a nice rigid wing spar. Additional detail parts are also included for the wheel wells.

Ailerons, elevators and rudder are all separate parts. Flaps are moulded shut.

Wing tip navigation lights are supplied as clear parts.

The canopy parts are clear, thin and free from distortion. The canopy may be posed open or closed – one of the very few options in this kit. Alternative parts are offered for open or closed sliding section.

Self-adhesive die-cut masks are provided for the canopy and the main wheel hubs.

Markings

Markings are offered for five aircraft. Four of these were based on Pacific islands and one was on board the Japanese aircraft carrier Hiryu on 7 December 1941.

The instructions offer four view colour illustrations for all five options, plus individual histories for each subject.

The decal sheet is printed by Eduard. Stencils are also included on a separate smaller sheet.

Printing and registration look good on my sample.

Eduard's 1:48 scale A6M2 Zero Type 21 maintains the high standards of this prolific Czech company.

The cockpit is comprehensive, surface textures are second to none, and the inclusion of the cowling assembly jig is further evidence of Eduard's continuous innovation.

I have built the Limited Edition Dual Combo version of this kit and I can confirm that it builds as good as it looks in the box.

Oh Eduard, you've done it again!

Thanks to Eduard for the sample.

Review Text Copyright © 2022 by Brett Green
Page Created 22 February, 2022
Last updated 22 February, 2022

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