1:32 21st Century Toys A6M3 Zero Type 22

[AnonymousDFB1]

Rabaul Defender

Built for The War in the Pacific Group Build over on Promodeller

* Kit manufacture: 21st Century Toys

* Scale: 1:32

* Type: A6M3 Zero (Zeke)

* Extras used: RB Productions Paper and PE Harness

* Paints and colours used: Tanya acrylics, Citadel Metalics, Alcad aluminium, Lifecolour acrylic (Aotake).

* Other info: Full build is

HERE

After the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbour it was apparent that Rabaul would come under attack. By December 1941, all women and children were evacuated. In January 1942, Rabaul was heavily bombed, and on January 23 the Battle of Rabaul began with the landing of thousands of Japanese marines.

During their occupation the Japanese developed Rabaul into a much more powerful base than the Australians had planned after the 1937 volcanic eruptions, with long term consequences for the town in the post-War period. The Japanese army dug many kilometres of tunnels as shelter from the Allied air forces. By 1943 there were about 110,000 Japanese troops based in Rabaul.

Instead of capturing Rabaul, the Allied forces bypassed it by establishing a ring of airfields and naval bases on the islands around it. Cut off from re-supply and under continual air attacks as part of Operation Cartwheel, the base became useless. The Japanese held Rabaul until they surrendered at the end of the war in August 1945

When it was obvious that there would be no resupply and protracted losses of the garrison aircraft the decision was taken to fly off as many aircraft as possible to help with the war else where. The only planes left where early and worn out aircraft. My Zero is depicted as one of those last defenders of Rabaul

[AnonymousFO98]

Not enough weathering Mish!

Looks absolutely corking! Gratz!

[general melchett]

Nice one Mish...looks like its flown through a sand storm of epic proportions................what did the Japs use for paint...........water colours!.

Great job...

[Obi-Jiff Kenobi]

Great finish!

Obi-Jiff

[spitfire]

Absolutely fabulous job, I don't know much about Japanese stuff but that looks real to me.

Cheers

Den

[Col.]

That one certainly looks well worn and war-weary Mish. Can hardly credit that's a £1.99 32nd scale kit under there, cracking work.

[AnonymousDFB1]

Thanks guys really please with this one, for £1.99 as well. Probably my best build to date.

[Simon G]

Nicely done, great to see such a weathered finish.

Si.