Tamiya 60784 - 1:72 Mitsubishi A6M3 Zero Fighter Model 32 Hamp

Plastic model kit of the Mitsubishi A6M3 Zero (Model 32, Hamp) fighter in 1:72 scale

Tamiya 60784 depicts the A6M3 Zero (Model 32) – a variant of the famous Japanese fighter that the Allies mistakenly took for a separate type and gave the codename 'Hamp'. Compared with the earlier Model 21 it received a more powerful Nakajima Sakae 21 engine and squared-off, shortened wingtips, which improved its top speed and roll rate – at the cost of greater fuel consumption and reduced range.

The kit is from Tamiya tooling, with a detailed cockpit interior and wheel wells. It includes parts for an open or closed canopy. 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
• Squared-off, shortened wingtips typical of the Model 32
• Parts for an open or closed canopy
• 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: 60784
• 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 Tamiya-tooled kit it features good parts fit. Paint the cockpit interior before closing the fuselage; if you plan an open canopy, refine the interior details first.

Model 32 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 A6M3 Zero (Model 32):

The Model 32 was a development of the earlier Model 21, intended to improve performance. The more powerful Nakajima Sakae 21 engine and the squared-off, shortened wingtips increased its top speed and its roll and dive rates.

These changes came, however, at the cost of greater fuel consumption and reduced range, which proved a significant drawback over the vast Pacific theatre. For this reason the Model 32 was produced in relatively small numbers.

Original aircraft specifications (A6M3 Model 32):

• Length: approx. 9.1 m
• Wingspan: approx. 11.0 m (shortened, squared-off tips)
• Max take-off weight: approx. 2,600 kg
• Powerplant: Nakajima Sakae 21 radial engine, approx. 1,130 hp
• Max speed: approx. 545 km/h
• Armament: two 7.7 mm machine guns and two 20 mm cannon
• Crew: 1
• Feature: squared-off, shortened 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.