[Ara1]

Hey guys,

I'm starting a thread to document a repaint project for a Marushin Model 21 Zero. This thread will be a gathering place of reference books, paint chip discussions, model selection and in-progress photos.

To start, I have to decide which specific Zero I want to model. I am certain I want to depict a late 1941 thru mid 1942 era plane, with a glossy solid overall color along the lines of this color:




So I have to make a choice of markings; here are the contenders so far.

I'm partial to wide fuselage bands, as shown here with a Kaga Zero.








More later!

[lanslide]

Ara - this is going to be a fun project to contribute to. The pale olive gray color chip you provided looks pretty good. It should be a color very close to Model Master SAC Bomber Tan FS 34201. This color could stand to be slightly lightened for scale effect and glossy closer to semi-gloss would be a more accurate sheen.

[Ara1]

Thank you Chris for your support on this project, on and offline. Take a look at Harry's thread in this sub forum: the content (mine, yours and Harry's) ended up being very prophetic! Anyone know a good source for 1/48 decals, where I can view the decals online?

[hworth18]

Originally Posted by Ara1

Thank you Chris for your support on this project, on and offline. Take a look at Harry's thread in this sub forum: the content (mine, yours and Harry's) ended up being very prophetic! Anyone know a good source for 1/48 decals, where I can view the decals online?

Ara,
1/48 Zero decals (for pearl harbor) are out of production and hard to find.. I finally got a set off Ebay, but you can find later A6M2 Decals here and there..

[Ara1]

Thanks Harry-- there's a model store up the road with a huge file cabinet system full of decals, I'l rummage thru it to see if I can get a set or 2. Even if it's just for one section of the decal sheet, it's worth it to me.

[roowalker]

Question,did the original protective covercoat cover markings as well? If it did,why not a tan overspray"filter" overall? It shouldn't take much to tone down the Marushin finish and avoid the hassle of new decals?

[lanslide]

There is no evidence to support a "varnish" or "covercoat" application over the base paint. There is overwhelming evidence that indicates a glossy pale olive gray paint application.

[Jim Lansdale]

Chris ("Lanslide") has asked for me to weigh-in on this research project for painting the Zero.

GOTO: Zero Camouflage Schemes by James F. Lansdale This article needs some revision on my part, however it contains some good background on what we currently know about the Zero colors. Also, I invite you to come on board the J-aircraft.com Main Page forums to ask specific questions regarding any Japanese aircraft colors, markings, and schemes.

Regarding the Zero color recommended by "Lanslide": basically the color chip shown on the first post by Ara1 looks very close. Testors "bomber tan" (FS-24201) is almost perfect for "out of the bottle," but it could be a bit lighter for scale effect. Mitsubishi and Nakajima-constructed Zeros did vary in shade/hue (the Mitsubishi is a bit more "green-olive" and Nakajima's a bit more "tan-olive").

There never was a clear-coat of varnish applied over the paint by the factory to Zero aircraft!

The paint base is a varnish or a lacquer which was clear and then pigments were added to color the paint ... i.e. the paint itself is a varnish or a lacquer and there is no need for a "clear-coat"! The paint was usually glossy. If it needed to be made matte, then talc or clay powder was added to make the surface rough and dull. Over time, the paint base does yellow somewhat, however, research and forensic examination of relic samples has demonstrated this does not significantly affect the color, it merely darkens the paint. A notable exception is the white outline around the hinomaru ... it appears to become more creamy-tan in color rather than pure white. Of course this applies to pieces which have been well preserved since being collected during WW II. If the wreckage remains out in the elements the paint becomes progressively worn, bleaches-out (due to U-V rays), grays, and, eventually, turns almost white and powders. At which point it is usually worn down to the copper/red primer coat.

I will be pleased to post some photos ...if I have them ... of specific aircraft (e.g. KOGA Zero or the ARITA markings).

Don't forget that the fabric surfaces, ailerons, rudder, and elevators were seldom, if ever, painted the same color as the fuselage ... they were gray.

HTH.

Jim Lansdale

[roowalker]

Many Thanks for a concise yet detailed explanation,Jim; this gves me something to work with Mike

[Ara1]

Originally Posted by Jim Lansdale

I will be pleased to post some photos ...if I have them ... of specific aircraft (e.g. KOGA Zero or the ARITA markings).

Don't forget that the fabric surfaces, ailerons, rudder, and elevators were seldom, if ever, painted the same color as the fuselage ... they were gray.

HTH.

Jim Lansdale

Thanks Jim. I have re-registered on your site and have read your fascinating articles. I'm amazed by the research you and others have done. And your son was a motivator in moving me along to repaint my upcoming Zero in correct colors.

If you have some pics of a few Pearl-era Kaga Zeros, I would appreciate your posting them here. I am asking for more than one so I can gauge the thickness and placement of the red bands--was there any variation? I have many books but I cannot read Japanese and can't ascertain Kaga planes, or stripe color for that matter.

If you have a pic of ARITA's Tainan Air Group Zero I'd love to see it! I am still zeroing in on which Model 21 to depict, much will rely on decal availability.

Thanks for your input in this thread, I've enjoyed reading your research for many years. I want to document the diecast repainting process for the benefit of other collectors.

Best regards,

Ara