Modelling the Mitsubishi A6M Zero

Description

In the opening years of World War II, the A6M Rei Shiki Sento Ki, or Reisen proved itself to be a versatile and deadly adversary. However, with the quick development of newer, more powerful fighter types by the US, the Zero began to show its design age. With the Japanese military facing certain defeat, the final solution selected by the Japanese to defend the homeland involved the use of suicide tactics, in which the Zero was the most common aircraft type used. This title showcases four individual variants of the aircraft, from different time periods and environments in which the aircraft served. A variety of scales are covered together with weathering and finishing techniques.

Brian Criner became interested in modelling at the age of nine when his grandfather bought him a model of a P-51 and told him he would receive a silver dollar if he built it for him. His interest has remained strong ever since. Brian currently works a biology teacher in a small high school in southern California. He has three children (Andrew, Lauren, and Daniel), and when not modelling enjoys biking and reading. This is his first book for Osprey Publishing.

"This was a fun fast read for me. It has all the content you would expect written in a light conversational style. If you build the A6M or plan to, this book should be on your research list. If you build WWII Japanese aircraft there is ample information on weathering and painting that this book will definitely help you out." --Scott Lodder, AeroScale "Osprey's Modelling series is an expanding and wonderfully beneficial resource for modelers and historians alike. I am thrilled the Zero has its own book, and I look forward to utilizing the many new ideas this book so ably demonstrates. I am certain all modelers of the A6M Reisin in particular, and Imperial Japanese air enthusiasts in general will find this book a great value." --Fred Boucher, Aeroscale "My favorite thing (besides humility, a great attitude and a fun writing style): one of the only successfuly scale attempts I've seen to gate, to duplicate the many wrinkles or waves of stressed sheet metal surfaces... Highly recommended--even to guys like me, who only rarely build models with props." --Ward Shrake, Internet Modeler (April 2008)