Osprey Publishing

Modelling the Mitubishi A6M Zero

by  Brian Criner

Reviewed By  Ken Patterson Sr, IPMS# 43117

MSRP: $18.95 ISBN: 1-84176-866-9 The A6M Rei Shiki Sento Ki (meaning Type Zero Fighter) was the result of an order by the Imperial Japanese Navy for a low-wing monoplane with superior speed, range, rate of climb and maneuverability. It served as a fighter escort during the attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941, and ended the war as part of the Kamikaze folly. After a plethora of "How to" Modelling books on U.S. and Luftwaffe aircraft, a long awaited volume on a Japanese aircraft is now available from Osprey. I read it cover to cover upon its arrival and have re-read it twice since! To say I was impressed is definitely an understatement. After reading this book, I can safely say I should be able to tackle the subtle intricacies of the A6M Zero. The book provides a highly detailed guide, including a photo gallery and walkaround, to complete an A6M2-N Rufe, A6M5c, A6M2 model 21 and a captured A6MB5. The pictures are all color and the text is clear and concise. The usual "available kits" and, "parts and accessory" list are covered fully. An excellent color matrix chart is provided covering the most frequently used model paints. And if that isn't enough, the author has included a color reference chart with nine 1.5 x 2in color chips of the most often used Japanese aircraft colors. This book is a must-have for modelling the most popular Japanese fighter across a variety of scales. The quality of this offering is truly as good as it gets! I highly recommend this Osprey Modelling guide for the Zero and will most likely have two (one for building and one for my library). You can obtain this book from Osprey Publishing at www.ospreypublishing.com or at finer hobby shops. Thanks to Osprey Publishing and John Noack for the review copy.

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