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This kit is in the not very inspiring 1983 boxing of the classic 1959 kit. Apologies to the Roy Cross memorial I’ve been hoping to join this GB since I found out about it a while back. I have several candidates in the stash but can only really spare the time for one. So this is it. I built the extant version of this kit around 1965/66. It was the first time I ever tried painting the canopy framing, and much to my and my Dad’s surprise it turned out not too bad!! So I have good memories of this kit as such, but not of any other details. Of course, the big choice about this GB is whether to do the fuller nostalgia experience and just build it as it comes, or take the kit from years ago and treat it to some upgrade and embellishment to bring it more in line with newer standards. I like the nostalgia approach. But I think I might not be able to leave some things alone ………. So I’m aiming to do this OOB as much as possible, but I’m sure as I progress (there’s optimism for you) I’ll start “tweaking” things. However, I really haven’t got much knowledge about this aircraft other than what’s provided with the kit and what I can glean from Groogling. It has the reputation of being the best carrier-based fighter anywhere at the start of WWII (as alluded to in the thread title), so I think I should have at least one example in my collection (even if from a “vintage” kit). To start; the usual photo evidence that this is un-assembled It has been stored in the loft in relatively benign conditions since I bought it around 1984. So the box is in good nick and most of the parts, as can be seen, are still attached to the sprue. The decal sheet showed signs of yellowing so has been on the window ledge whilst we’ve been en France for 2 weeks. If they don’t work (they are almost 40 years old) I might just have a go at masking and painting ….. er…,maybe … Having done a quick dry-fit to check for likely problems I noted the following potential issues that I might address (or ignore …..) 1. Cowling – doesn’t “fit”! Will need work to make it do so. Noted that the gun troughs seem slightly wider apart than the guns on the fuselage. Hmm. Really? Check that again before doing anything drastic/foolish. Also, there is no panel or cooling flap detail on the cowling and no sign of where the combined exhaust outlets emerge on either side. The carburettor intake looks over-sized compared to photos and drawings I’ve managed to find online. 2. Cockpit – well, there’s a hole with some round pegs jutting from each side upon which the unfortunate pilot is supposed to be glued, not even a proper seat. No detail at all. I know that this aircraft was designed to rigorously keep down weight but …….. I don’t normally do crew. I have now done a few models and have learnt about checking what can be seen once the canopy is in place. I don’t want to get into detailing (although I do quite like that bit ….) if I can avoid it for this simple build. Despite its age the canopy is really clear and shiny so I may have to do a bit of something in there. But note to self : KISS and don’t get bogged down again!!! 3. External sink marks and moulding process holes – some visible externally and can’t be ignored. Main culprits on top of nose and tailplane undersides. But care with all those lovely raised rivets and panel lines!! 4. Tailwheel looks “of its age” (I was going to say laughable, but it was OK once upon a time …) so in the spirit of the GB I’ll see what I can do with paint and not replace it. But I might just have to replace the radio mast …… 5. Nice pale blue plastic but feels a little brittle, so note to self: care when tidying seams and removing sprue attachment tabs etc.. As I said earlier, I haven’t much idea about the A6M2 and its relatives because the Pacific part of WWII is way off my usual area of interest. The box doesn’t give any details about the example being modelled. I am happy to take it as a generic “Zero” but if anyone wants to point me at a bit more detailed info about what the markings represent, or can enlighten us here, then please do so. I’m now off to wash the kit and start removing bits from the sprue. Thanks for looking. Rob