Welcome Guest [Log In] [Register]
CLICK HERE to see new posts in last 24 hours
Mark all forums read
Welcome to Locate and Cement - Plastic Model Kit Review, Advice and Exchange of ideas.. We hope you enjoy your visit.


You're currently viewing our forum as a guest. This means you are limited to certain areas of the board and there are some features you can't use. If you join our community, you'll be able to access member-only sections, and use many member-only features such as customizing your profile, sending personal messages, and voting in polls. Registration is simple, fast, and completely free.


Join our community!


If you're already a member please log in to your account to access all of our features:

Username:   Password:
Airfix "Zero"; WOW, WOW, WOW
Topic Started: Nov 6 2011, 12:04 PM (751 Views)
Drichc
Member Avatar
Banaaaaana
[ *  *  * ]
Well where do I begin?

What an amazing little kit for £5.99!

It's convinced me to have a go at the Pearl Harbour GB, as I really need to do something simple to get any form of modelling interest back, and I think Airfix have provided the solution :thumbsup: .

They really are making enormous strides. Having done a fair bit of research now, I can only conclude that this kit is heading the company in the right direction. YES, the Fine Moulds one is regarded as the Pinnacle of 1/72nd Zeros, but it's flaming expensive.

My only criticism would be that the panel lines are a little heavy, but a vast improvement on previous releases, and let's face it, is the target pocket money audience going to give a stuff? I don't think so.

The cockpit is really well done, and with some shading and dry brushing should look very smart under a pretty clear canopy.

BRAVO Airfix, you've got me excited about a model again, and in the wrong scale :wicked: . Quite an achievement I'd say.

Summary.
Nice kit with VERY good detail in the cockpit, wheel wells, and engine cowling.

Fit appears pretty good from dry fitting.

Canopy commendably clear for a pocket money kit.

Slightly heavy panel lines - but won't bother little johnny! (target audience remember, not us old farts)

Lovely decal sheet - Only one option God forbid. Oh yeah, sorry I forgot it's a pocket money kit. (I'd rather have one well printed sheet that two or three poorly printed options) YMMV

Sorry there are no sprue shots, but they abound plenty on the interweb.

Finally did I say, It's an amazing little kit for £5.99.

:beer: Airfix.

richc

Goto Top
 
Mike W
Member Avatar
Hook down, wheels down... call the ball
[ *  *  * ]
Who, from Airfix, is paying you Richy boy? :wicked:
Goto Top
 
peebeep
Member Avatar
Lots Of Trouble Usually Serious
[ *  *  * ]
Blast, I've got two on order but they're stuck in the post. One caveat with the scheme offered with the kit is that it is possible the undersurfaces should actually be yellow with the underwing hinomaru outlined in white (it is a machine from a training unit). I have an old Aeromaster sheet which I will be using in any case. The gift set and Dogfight Double set has an alternative scheme. Having viewed the sprues at Yeovilton it does look like a little peach of a kit and I can't wait for the Gnat and Swordfish. :jump:

peebeep
Goto Top
 
Drichc
Member Avatar
Banaaaaana
[ *  *  * ]
Nobody Mike :whistle:

Indeed Paul. The gift set has the Pearl Harbour markings, BUT it's a cut down variant with very few stencils. The DD does have full markings including stencils for the same Zero as the Gift set though, and Capt Welch's a/c including full stencilling.

This may actually make the DD a sensible proposition, as it would cost a lot more if you go aftermarket for the decals.

All in all it looks a winner for Airfix, and us.

Long may this progression continue. Just a shame they can't do the whole lot in the UK, but we all know that's unrealistic, so more power to Airfix for making sensible economic decisions.

And yes you're right about the undersurface colour, should be an orangey yellow by all accounts.

rich

Edited by Drichc, Nov 6 2011, 01:43 PM.
Goto Top
 
The Waddler
Member Avatar
Advanced Member
[ *  *  * ]
But it's cheap enough to buy by the squadron-load, and it's not as if there's a world shortage of aftermarket A6M3 decals in 1/72....

Well done Airfix!
Goto Top
 
Walrus
Member Avatar
A bristle short of a full brush
[ *  *  * ]
Would I be correct in thinking the starter set is the old kit?
Goto Top
 
peebeep
Member Avatar
Lots Of Trouble Usually Serious
[ *  *  * ]
Yes and no. There could be two starter sets in any given shop, one the old tooling the other, new. I'll see if I can find the kit ref, numbers.

peebeep
Goto Top
 
peebeep
Member Avatar
Lots Of Trouble Usually Serious
[ *  *  * ]
Old tool starter set: A50085. Box art:

Posted Image

New tool starter set: A55102. Box art:

Posted Image

peebeep
Goto Top
 
Walrus
Member Avatar
A bristle short of a full brush
[ *  *  * ]
In which case, the Works were selling the new ones for just under 6 quid!
Shoulda picked one up but wasn't sure if it was the old kit
thanks Paul
Goto Top
 
« Previous Topic · Modelling Chat · Next Topic »

Friends of Locate & Cement
Skin created by Nikku from Zathyus Networks Resources