Tamiya 60780 - 1:72 Mitsubishi A6M2b Zero

Plastic model kit of the Mitsubishi A6M2b Zero (Model 21) fighter in 1:72 scale

Tamiya 60780 depicts the A6M2b Zero (Model 21) – the first mass-produced version of the famous Japanese fighter. Fitted with a long wing with folding tips (easing carrier operations), a long range and an armament including 20 mm cannon, this machine quickly earned its opponents' respect. It was the A6M2b that took part in the Pearl Harbor attack and the first Pacific campaigns.

The kit is from new Tamiya tooling, with a detailed cockpit interior and the gear case at the front of the engine. The model has a fully-opening canopy, and the decals finish the aircraft in one of three schemes from the Pearl Harbor era.

What's in the box:

• Plastic sprues with fuselage, wing and tail parts
• Fully-opening canopy
• Detailed cockpit interior and the gear case at the front of the engine
• Waterslide decal sheet for 3 marking options (Pearl Harbor era)
• Illustrated assembly instructions

Model specifications:

• Scale: 1:72
• Item number: 60780
• Manufacturer: Tamiya
• Assembled length: 126 mm, wingspan: 167 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. Paint the cockpit interior before closing the fuselage; the fully-opening canopy lets you show off the cockpit details.

Early Zeros usually wore a light grey-green finish (typical of the early war period). 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 A6M2b Zero (Model 21):

The Zero was designed as a light, agile, long-range carrier fighter. The A6M2b (Model 21) was the first mass-produced version, adapted for carrier operations thanks to folding wingtips, a landing hook and suitable equipment.

Thanks to a range of around 3,000 km, good agility and an armament with 20 mm cannon, the A6M2b quickly earned the respect of Allied crews. It was this version that was used in the Pearl Harbor attack and in the first months of the Pacific War, among others.

Original aircraft specifications (A6M2b Zero):

• Length: approx. 9.1 m
• Wingspan: approx. 12.0 m
• Max take-off weight: approx. 2,400 kg
• Powerplant: Nakajima Sakae 12 radial engine, approx. 940 hp
• Max speed: approx. 530 km/h
• Armament: two 7.7 mm machine guns and two 20 mm cannon
• Crew: 1
• Feature: long wing with folding tips, long range

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.