Kari's bench 2021 -->

[KSaarni]

After some real life hurdles on Saturday, I could finally shoot a layer of Mission Models Glossy Clear Coat on the Zero.
I seldomly add any clear coats, so it has been a learning session as well, especially as it's so difficult to see the amount of clear coat that is added etc.

But I'm pretty ok with the result and if needed, I will still add a thin layer of clear coat tonight.
But now I leave it to cure for 10 hrs, to start with.



- Kari

[KSaarni]

Backup plan, I just ordered a new set of decals to my Zero.
I simply don't trust the new type ones Eduard provides with the kit. And, this way I get new decals for the second build.

Hopefully they will arrive still before end of the year..

Luckily I can still work on the Zero, landing gears etc still to be done. And of course the stencils. They come on another smaller decal sheet and seems to be "regular" decals.





- Kari

[LyleW]

Good idea!

[Duke Maddog]

Sweet! You're getting Saburo Sakai's markings! Nice!

[KSaarni]

Thanks Mark!
My knowledge in Japanese fighter pilots is very limited, actually non-existent...
But now I googled about Saburo and what a story!

- Kari

[KSaarni]

Some additional steps carried out.

The engine and cowling is now attached + added those microscopically tiny navigation lights on the topside of the wing.
Unfortunately, the carpet monster did not hesitate a second when one light was catapulted from the tweezers.

Not the smallest change to find it... too tiny.. So I had to take one navigation light from the 2nd kit as replacement, instead of starting to construct a replacement. That's the headache for next the Zero build.



But it starts to look like a Mitsubishi A6M2 Zero!



- Kari

[Stuart]

Very nice Kari - that's looking superb! Which Marking option are you going with?

[KSaarni]

Many thanks Stuart, it will be the middle ones, the AI-101, piloted by Lieutenant Commander Shigeru Itaya.

- Kari

[mustang1989]

This is lookin' great Kari. Yup........those tiny parts get lost too quick sometimes. Looking forward to seeing this thing with those new cals you got applied.

[KSaarni]

Many thanks Joe!

and yes they do!

- Kari