Number 25 in the Osprey Modelling series is this one on the Mitsubishi A6M Zero. From what I understand, the Zero is the most modeled aircraft subject in the world with more models devoted to this aircraft than probably any other.

In this volume, the author, Brian Criner takes us through builds in 1/48 and 1/32. In line with others in this series, there is a brief historical introduction, a section on tools, a listing of available kits and accessories, and page on book references. A nice touch to this edition is a color chart for the different variants so that we can get the inside and outside colors at least close for the model we are building. Also included are some close-up photos of an aircraft undergoing restoration in the US.

As seems to be a requirement, this book also lists various builds with a level of difficulty. These are up to the discretion of the author and not to any set standard. They also are as much based on painting and weathering as they are in building for the initial article is basically out of the box aside from some rather intense weathering. From what I see, most of these builds can be duplicated by most modelers. So on to what is provided:

• A6M2-N, 1/48 Hasegawa - Intermediate

• A6M5C, 1/48 Hasegawa - Intermediate

• A6M2, 1/48 Hasegawa - Advanced

• A6M5b, 1/32 Tamiya - Master

These are followed by several 'gallery' articles which provide a few photos and a very brief write-up by those who are probably friends of the author. Included in this section are:

• Hasegawa 1/48 A6M3 type 22

• Tamiya 1/32 A6M5b

• Hasegawa 1/72 A6M2

• Sweet 1/144 A6M2b

Overall, a nice book on this aircraft and one from which most of us will learn something new in the way of available accessories or techniques.  If you are a fan of the aircraft, then you will want to add this one to your library.

June 2006

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