Modelling the Mitsubishi A6M Zero (Osprey Modelling)

This book shows few interesting techniques on how to weather aircraft in general as well as good walkthroughs of how to build quite a good model of the Zero-sen.However it leaves few things that could've make it a great book:1) At least one plane should've been built with the pilot to show how to paint pilot and what is the good and cheap ways to improve figurine that is included with some of the kits.2) The cheapest way to improve the model is to add rivets to the model via riveting tool. Mentioning of that technique, how to deal with mistakes and a good drawings of any version of the airplane which would show full set of rivets would be really great.3) Would be really cool if in the chapter where the process of building Rufe model is described the model would be built not on dolly but on the "water" (techniques of using acrylic paints in clear epoxies is a "cheap"(well, cheap on skill but not on wallet) way to improve the model by putting it into diorama without too much work.

There was plenty of detail of how to paint and weather the Zero in various scales (except 1/24) but very little on how to detail it. While most people who undertake modeling the Zero are probably familiar with the differences among the various A6M versions, there is nothing to help the neophyte or casual modeler identify it.There isn't any information on how to detail the cockpit and precious little regarding how the various knobs, levers and gauges are colored. There is nothing to indicate how the various gauges in the cockpit should be depicted or even how to detail the landing gear. There are photos available but many of them are small and don't show the subject well enough.Having said that, the book does have some helpful tips however. The paint guide showing the color codes for various pain manufacturers is very helpful especially when it comes to odd colors such as aotake.Worth the price overall. Just don't expect a definitive guide on the Zero.

Two things caught my attention right away - the author empahsized that this is a hobby and is to be done for fun and to satisfy the modeler, not the contest judge or the 'reviewer'. Excellent. Also, the caliber of this man's builds and his techniques are simply outstanding. This book is jammed with good advice, techniques and practices. The various sections describing the actual weathering and abuse the Japanes planes were subject to (and, more importantly in many instances, not subject to) is worth the price of the book. It seems to be a little known fact among modeling circles that the Japanese planes were primed with a dark red primer which would, naturally, show up due to wear, chipping, etc. This is seldom portrayed on most heavily weathered Japanese scale models. Reading books like this will help you do your homework in a most enjoyable way, and build better models besides. I recommend this book to you even if you are not interested specifically in Japanese aircraft because the philosophies and techniques are applicable to all kinds of scale modeling.

This is a very informative and helpful book for the beginning modeler and especially the advanced modeler,who wants to take their skills up a notch or two. I enjoyed seeing some actual photos of real Zeros that are being refurbished as empirical reference. With each model, Mr. Criner provides a recipe of exactly what paints (color codes), and after market accessories were used. It was fun seeing him review kits of the Zero in all the available scales from the big 1/32 down to the tiny 1/144. His steps and clear techniques take a lot of the mystery out of getting a beautiful accurate model. As a bonus, Mr. Criner provides a glossy page of colored swatches used for all his builds. You can cut this out and keep it on your workbench as a quick reference. My only complaint would be the rather small size pictures as many of them are "scaled photos". I wish all or most were blown up to around 4x6 for those of us who need reading glasses. Otherwise, I can highly recommend this book if you are interested in modeling the Zero.

Well laid-out, clearly written book on the "little secrets" of modelling. Especially, aging and wear detailing.I like Criner's simple & precise writing style. Hope he writes more books on WW2 warplane models.

This is the best book for reference if you need to look up from painting to add little details. I have purchased/looked at many books/photos for references and mostly were disappointed with the lack of good photos or information. With this book I was able to get the paint references correct, but some details too, that I was not aware of.If you are wondering if the price is worth it. I would say "Yes!"

Another great reference in that series

Excellent help for building model planes in general and the Zero in particular. I learned some new techniques that definitely took my modeling up a notch.

Book not too adapted to the Tamiya 1/32 kit...I would have appreciated more hints on building the particular model. But many interesting things to learn anyway.

An excellent and comprehensive guide to modelling this classic aircraft....highly recommended!...

I'm thinking you could probably do just as well trawling the internet, or a few back issues of model magazines. The plus side is all the inspiration you need to start your project in one handy reference.

Un libro veramente utile, non solo per i novizi ma anche per gli esperti. Le tecniche adoperate sono ottimamente descritte e molto ben illustrate. Fotografie di eccellente qualità. Da segnalare anche le notizie, in sintesi, relative al velivolo in oggetto. Molto utile anche i campioni dei colori da utilizzare (sempre un problema per i velivoli giapponesi) per ottenere un modello quanto più possibile rispondente al reale. Un poco trascurata la scala 1:32, con un solo esempio illustrato.In sintesi, molto raccomandabile.

I've a couple of these 'build' books in my collection. They are very helpful for things like interior colours and explanations relating to sub variants and how to model them. They also serve as inspiration. This book on building the Zero is particularly helpful for anyone interested in building a better model.