Tamiya 60779 - 1:72 Mitsubishi A6M5 Zero

Plastic model kit of the Mitsubishi A6M5 Zero (Model 52) fighter in 1:72 scale

Tamiya 60779 depicts the A6M5 Zero (Model 52) – a refined version of the famous Japanese fighter, developed to take on the ever more numerous and more capable American aircraft. It was fitted with shorter, rounded wingtips and individual exhaust stacks giving a small amount of extra thrust, which improved its speed and dive behaviour.

The kit is from new Tamiya tooling, with a detailed cockpit interior and wheel wells. It includes parts for an open or closed canopy and a drop tank. The decals finish the aircraft in one of three Imperial Japanese Navy unit schemes.

What's in the box:

• Plastic sprues with fuselage, wing and tail parts
• Parts for an open or closed canopy
• Drop tank
• Detailed cockpit interior and wheel wells
• Waterslide decal sheet for 3 marking options (Imperial Japanese Navy)
• Illustrated assembly instructions

Model specifications:

• Scale: 1:72
• Item number: 60779
• Manufacturer: Tamiya
• Assembled length: 126 mm, wingspan: 153 mm
• Skill level: beginner/intermediate

Note: glue, paints and modelling tools are not included. The model is intended for self-assembly.

Building the model:

As a new Tamiya tooling it features good parts fit and approachable assembly. Paint the cockpit interior before closing the fuselage; if you plan an open canopy, refine the interior details first.

Model 52 Zeros most often wore dark green on the upper surfaces over a light grey underside. Lay the decals over a gloss coat to avoid silvering, then finish with a satin varnish. The instructions provide paint references for all three schemes.

Tools you'll need:

• Modelling nippers for removing parts from the sprues
• Hobby knife or scalpel
• Files and sandpaper for cleaning up sprue-gate marks
• Plastic cement (e.g. Tamiya Extra Thin Cement)
• Brushes of various sizes and modelling paints (acrylic or enamel)
• Panel-line wash to emphasise detail and recesses
• Gloss varnish for the decals and a satin coat to finish
• Optional: self-adhesive canopy masks

About the aircraft – Mitsubishi A6M5 Zero (Model 52):

The Zero was the Imperial Japanese Navy's main fighter throughout the Second World War. In the early Pacific War it held the edge over many Allied aircraft in agility and range.

The Model 52, developed in the second half of the war, was meant to let the Zero keep pace with ever more capable American fighters. Its shorter, rounded wing and improved exhaust system enhanced performance, but the opponent's growing numerical and technical advantage meant the Zero gradually lost its former dominance.

Original aircraft specifications (A6M5 Zero):

• Length: approx. 9.1 m
• Wingspan: approx. 11.0 m
• Max take-off weight: approx. 2,700 kg
• Powerplant: Nakajima Sakae 21 radial engine, approx. 1,130 hp
• Max speed: approx. 565 km/h
• Armament: two 7.7 mm machine guns and two 20 mm cannon
• Crew: 1
• Feature: shorter, rounded wingtips

About the manufacturer – Tamiya:

Tamiya Corporation is a Japanese model company founded in 1946 in Shizuoka, regarded as the heart of Japan's model-making industry. It launched its first injection-moulded plastic kit in 1960 and soon set a global benchmark for quality thanks to precise tooling and excellent parts fit. Tamiya's own-tooled kits are popular with beginners and experienced modellers alike, combining accurate detail with thoughtfully engineered, enjoyable assembly. Beyond plastic kits in many scales, the company offers a full range of accessories: paints, glues, tools and brushes. Tamiya operates in dozens of countries and remains one of the most recognisable brands in the hobby.