AML 1/72 A6M2-K Zero

[Brad]

This is not a kit for the beginner, which is a shame as I don't know of any other small scale 2 seat zero kits around. The injected molded parts suffer from severe mold misalignment to the point where manufacturers had to include resin tail plane and other small pieces as the injected parts were junk. What they should have done was retooled the kit and made sure the parts were molded better. I built this model for a friend and fortunately he didn't want the aircraft in a target towing set up, because much of the tow gear was so badly molded it was unusable.  Even so, the rear fuselage insert doesn't fit and that was built up with super glue and sprue. The nose and cowling are a mess, but I managed to carve out something that looks like a zero nose from the globs of plastic. The photo etch for the gear bays had to be trimmed to fit, but it wasn't too bad. Fortunately the vac formed canopy is nicely done and the decals are quite good. 

 

If you really want a 2 seat Zero in 1/72, I would suggest buying this kit and taking out the canopy, second cockpit, decals and if you must some of the towing and winch gear and grafting it onto the Airfix Zero. That said, I'm quite pleased with the end result of my hacking and sanding!

 

 

 

[stevej60]

Well 10/10 for hammering it into an excellent looking Zero.Nice to  see something that bit different too.

[MikeR]

Nicely done!

 

Mike.

[IanC]

Very nice work. Never knew such a thing existed!

 

 

[Greg Law]

Considering the difficulties you have done an excellent job of it.

[BIG X]

You fought - you won -

[glatisant]

Wanted one myself,but previous experience with AML put me right off. A pile of s**t ,the B5M and the HE46 absolutely terrible. Good on you for getting there in the end. A triumph!!