Tamiya 60785 - 1:72 Mitsubishi A6M3/A6M3a Zero Fighter Model 22

Plastic model kit of the Mitsubishi A6M3/A6M3a Zero (Model 22) fighter in 1:72 scale

Tamiya 60785 depicts the A6M3/A6M3a Zero (Model 22) – a version developed to remove the main drawback of the preceding Model 32: its reduced range. To this end the standard long wing of 12 m span was restored and the fuel capacity increased, which effectively improved the aircraft's range. An A6M3a version with longer cannon barrels was also produced.

The kit is from Tamiya tooling, with a detailed cockpit interior and wheel wells. The model can be built with longer cannon barrels (A6M3a), and the included parts allow an open or closed canopy. The decals finish the aircraft in one of two Imperial Japanese Navy unit schemes.

What's in the box:

• Plastic sprues with fuselage, wing and tail parts
• Optional longer cannon barrels (A6M3a version)
• Parts for an open or closed canopy
• Detailed cockpit interior and wheel wells
• Waterslide decal sheet for 2 marking options (Imperial Japanese Navy)
• Illustrated assembly instructions

Model specifications:

• Scale: 1:72
• Item number: 60785
• 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 Tamiya-tooled kit it features good parts fit. Before gluing, decide whether you are building the A6M3 or the A6M3a (longer cannon barrels). Paint the cockpit interior before closing the fuselage.

Model 22 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 both 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/A6M3a Zero (Model 22):

The Model 22 was developed in response to the limited range of the earlier Model 32. Restoring the long, standard 12 m wing and increasing the fuel capacity regained the long range so valued over the vast Pacific theatre.

These aircraft reached units from early 1943 and took part in the fierce fighting in the Solomon Islands area. An A6M3a version with longer cannon barrels, improving firepower, was also produced.

Original aircraft specifications (A6M3 Model 22):

• Length: approx. 9.1 m
• Wingspan: approx. 12.0 m
• Max take-off weight: approx. 2,700 kg
• Powerplant: Nakajima Sakae 21 radial engine, approx. 1,130 hp
• Max speed: approx. 540 km/h
• Armament: two 7.7 mm machine guns and two 20 mm cannon
• Crew: 1
• Feature: restored long wing (12 m), greater 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.