Ian M's Mitsubishi F1M2 Zero PETE. Hasegawa 1/48

[Tim Marlow]

OK then so far I have tried stretched sprue: What is up with plastic these days. It is almost impossible to make a good bit of stretched these days! Either they break and curl up as you pull them = useless.
Pull out but with lumps in = useless.
Pull out far to quick and thin. = yep useless.
Found some 0.5 mm piano. 30cm later still not got one to the correct length!
That Lycra stuff is way to thin
Found some smooth coated sewing thread. will play with that a while.

Agree about stretching sprue. It simply doesn’t work like it used to. More like stretching chewing gum these days. Almost certainly it’s because something has been removed from the mix due to safety concerns. For stretchy thread, try a sewing shop. Lycra or elastic sewing thread comes in loads of thicknesses and colours. They don’t just make it for us you know……

[Jack L]

Looking good Ian. Another vote her for Mr Surfacer and Mr Finishing Surfacer. Even the rattle can version dries really fine, I've had a 'perfect' finish each time using.

[Ian M]

After several total fails at trying to rig this little bugger, I think I got something I can live with.
I found some 0.5 brass which being a lot softer and easier to work with than Piano wire, I managed to get some braces sorted.
Now I have some holes to fill and some serious paint touch-up work to sort out.
AK Real colours DO NOT LIKE CA de-bonder. As me how I found that out...

The tails are a bit 'bent' but the best I could (be asterisk) to do. Sorry. Right now they are painted black and drying along with the rear seats machine gun.


CA de-bonder and AR real colours do not play nice together! Bummer!
Top strut near the fuselage for the visually impaired.
So as can be seen there is not a lot left to do for this one. Bit of touching up and a dot of gloss varnish on the lights... S'bout it.
Watch this space.

[The Smythe Meister]

Blimey that's looking good Ian
... The plane itself, obviously.... But that rigging is interesting too,(and Ill be taking notes if course!!)
... Not that I'd be "Cheating" you understand!!

[Waspie]

What an amazing read/build. I agree with Neil, the cockpit is fantastic. Crisp and precise as is the detail you have put into it.
First Zero I have seen in that configuration.

[Ian M]

Blimey that's looking good Ian

Why thank you Sir! It is a pity that they (Hasegawa) did not include a plastic version of the end covers for the brace wires.

What an amazing read/build. I agree with Neil, the cockpit is fantastic. Crisp and precise as is the detail you have put into it.
First Zero I have seen in that configuration.

Thank you.
The Japanese had more zero's than a footballers paycheck!

[Ian M]

Well I'm calling this one.
Heres a quick snapshot and I'll take some better photos tomorrow.

s'cuse the mess. bit busy. lol.

Thanks to all for the comments and also those that just dropped by for a ganders.

[The Smythe Meister]

Looks quite a big beastie sat on the mat there Ian? :thinking:
Like the overall paint/decal scheme.... and the light weathering on the yellow strip along the top wing is a great touch:thumb2:.
Looking forward to seeing the detailed photos

[Ian M]

Looks quite a big beastie sat on the mat there Ian? :thinking:

Its a big mat lol. and thank you.

[papa 695]

Cracking work Ian

[Allen Dewire]

Dang Boss, Done already!!! I just started cutting plastic...The rigging turned out well and the paint scheme is even better. There definitely is something special about float planes, for sure.......Great work Ian!!!

This GB has more Zeros' in it than the national debt!!!

Prost
Allen

[Jim R]

Just had an enjoyable catch up Ian. So much going on on the forum I miss things :smiling:
A good kit but it gave you some issues to cope with. The cockpit is stunning, didn't need pe. The end result is excellent. I'm glad I'm not the only one who finds modern sprue doesn't stretch. Look forward to seeing it displayed on its trolley.

[Ian M]

Well I had just taken the photos and noticed that I had forgot to add the antennae wires I'll add those later and add a couple of piccies
The photos so far are here in the completed section.

Catch you later and once again thanks for dropping by.