This next sheet from Lifelike Decals is their second for the A6M fan in the crowd. There are 13 markings options provided covering the entire Pacific War. You are offered both single color and the later two color options. All of these, other than the two floatplanes and the trainer, are A6M2 type 21 or A6M3 type 22.

Here is what you have.

1 is a type 21 flown by Yoshiro Hashiguchi based at Kendari in February 1942

2 is another type 21 flown by Masuzo Seti of the Tainan Ku on Balikpapan in February 1942

3 is a type 21 of the 381st Ku at Solon AB in mid 1944. I recently built a Hasegawa kit with these markings but Hasegawa got the wing and tail colors wrong.

4 is an A6M2 of the Shokaku in October 1942 flown by Hideki Shingo at the Battle of Santa Cruz.

5 is an A6M2 of the 261st Ku in late 1943 at Kagoshima AB.

6 is a 265 Ku A6M2 at Xinzhu AB on Taiwan in early 1944.

7 is a type 22 of Usauro Suzuki of the 582nd Ku at Buin in April 1944.

8 is another type 22 of Saburo Shindo at Buin  in June 1944.

9 is a type 21 of the 381st Ku on Ehman Island in May 1944.

10 the trainer was at Misawa AB in September of 1944.

11 is a type 21 of Hajime Toyoshima on the Hiryu on February 1942.

12 The first of two A^M2-N floatplanes is with the 934 Ku at Ambon Island in March 1943.

13 The other is also with the 934th flown by Hienori Matunaga from March 1943 to April 1944, also based on Ambon Island.

As always, you are provided copious information on each subject as well as treatises on several interesting subjects related to the aircraft on the sheet. Most interesting is that on early Zero colors. As was stated by Firesign Theater, 'everything you know is wrong'. Decals themselves are printed by Microscale so you know you have some of the highest quality out there. In addition to the unique markings, you get one of LifeLike's hinomaru sheets that was reviewed earlier.

Now I know that some of these markings have been featured on various kits, but the quality of these surpasses the majority of kit markings. If you have a stash of early A6Ms, and I know I do, this is a set for you.

Recommended kits are by Hasegawa, Tamiya, and Eduard.

November 2023

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My thanks to Lifelike Decals for the review set. Check you local hobby shop for availability.

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