SPA Modeler

This will be the third 1/48 Hasegawa Zero I have built, so it is becoming familiar. No fit problems so far, not even with the lower cowl scoop. I think that problem can result if the wing is not properly set to the fuselage. This time I added the scoop while the glue on the wing was still not completely set on the fuselage and everything fit tight with a nice fit at the wing roots.

IP looks great. Did you drill out the seat and bulkhead?

Yes on the seat, John. Hasegawa put depressions in the seat where the holes should be so it is easy to do. The bulkhead is just as it was, no need for drilling.

Very nice work on that John, it looks like it's gone together well.

Nice start on this one John. I think I have the same one in the stash. When I built my Type 22 last year it was a joy to build

Looks good John, Are you doing the box markings? I love Zeros. Looking forward to your updates on this one.

Personally, I don't have a great track record with Hasegawa Zeros. I did build their 1/48 A6M5 years ago ... but I also have their Rufe 75% complete, sitting on the SOD... Will probably never get completed. Don't misunderstand, nothing wrong with the Hasegawa Zeros -- It's just me I have since filled my stash with Tamiya Zeros. I got my 11 year old so the old Tamiya 1/48 A6M5 for this birthday. That kit still looks great in the box. I did not see any flash at all--that's going to be a fun build.

That is looking great, John! That cockpit work really shines, sir!

Very nice, John. Looks great.

Thats going together quickly! How long did it take to do all of the cockpit painting?

Probably 2 hours over two days, Carlos. I was looking at the newest Tamiya A6M3 Type 22 kit and the difference in parts count is pretty striking. It's like Tamiya shrank a 1/32 kit. The Hasegawa Zero's are a nice combination of ease of build and detail, in my opinion. Of course, the original Tamiya Zero is not as nice as the Hasegawa kits, but still looks good when done. Here's the original Tamiya, but I think you did one of those already.