June 3, 2017
May 23, 2017
Book review: The Mitsubishi Zero, Type 0 Carrier Fighter (A6M) “Zeke” in World War Two. (Combat Colours No. 9)
Book review: The Mitsubishi Zero, Type 0 Carrier Fighter (A6M) “Zeke” in World War Two. (Combat Colours No. 9)
Author Nicholas Millman
40 pgs
ISBN 978-1-908565-57-0
The magazine, Scale Aircraft Modelling, publishes a series of “books”, really more like pamphlets, that look like magazines. The series is called Combat Colours and features a particular aircraft or time period and is focused on paint colours and markings. In regard to this issue, No 9 in the series, it covers the thorny subject of the colours of the iconic A6M Japanese Zero fighter.
This particular subject is one that has been the subject of much debate over the last 20 years or so, especially as it applies to the early A6M2. For years the early Zeros were thought to be a light gray. However, more recent research has revealed that the original color was a taupe, somewhat akin to RLM02, and weathered, due to chalking, to a light gray. The author of this volume, Nicholas Millman has dedicated many years to the study of the colors and markings of Japanese aircraft. He has previously authored several of the best books in the Osprey book series, on aircraft like the Ki-27. Ki-43, Ki-44 and Ki-61. He also runs a highly informative website called Aviation of Japan. http://www.aviationofjapan.com/
Mr. Millman, standing on the shoulders of giants such as Don Thorpe, Ian Baker, Robert Mikesh and James Lansdale, has brought together much of the latest research and organized it in a very easy to understand manner. There are discussions of many of the different camouflage schemes the Zero wore throughout its career. All of the detail areas such as cockpits, props, cowls and undercarriage are discussed in separate sections. The author deserves credit for laying out his research and conclusions and acknowledges where there are alternate interpretations.
This pamphlet is lavishly illustrated with many black and white photos as well as colour side views as well as several colour charts. The downside of all these colour illustrations and charts is that it has driven the cost of the pamphlet above what you might expect for, what in essence, is a 40 page magazine. The retail price of this issue of Combat Colours No.9 is $23. While this might seem steep, I can say that if you are at all interested in the Zero, this book is well worth it, constituting the latest thinking on the subject of how to paint you model of the Zero.
Highly recommended.
May 11, 2017
May 1, 2017
April 24, 2017
Nippon ’46
German “paper projects” are popular modeling subject. These are usually referred to as Luft ’46 models. Now we are starting to see Japanese “paper projects”. I think the the popular term is Nippon ’46. Here is an upcoming example. Here is info on the Ki-87 in case you were curious.
March 19, 2017
MYK decals?
Has anyone ever used these? They sound interesting, especially the way they are applied, if I am reading the translation correctly.
February 9, 2017
February 7, 2017
January 22, 2017
Arawasi
If you like Japanese WWII aircraft, like I do, this is a website you should visit regularly.
