RE: CMP 120 Zero ARF Build thread
 

SOB's [:@]

RE: CMP 120 Zero ARF Build thread
 

There is some question in my mind about these heavily weathered A6M's ... showing substantial amounts of aluminum skin beneath the green paint. For example, Tom Tullis' profile artwork in the Osprey Aircraft of the Aces 22 shows an Model 22 A6M3 of the 201st AG (Kokutai) with extensive aluminum exposed beneath green paint, whereas a photo of another A6M3 of the 251st AG showing heavy "weathering" explains that these planes were delivered to the theater in the factory grey-beige paint, where "hastily applied" green paint was used to camouflage the aircraft. Therefore, the exposed areas should be a "caramel" color per the latest research into the A6M: [link=http://modelingmadness.com/earlya6mcolors.htm]Early A6M Colors[/link]

I have seen no photos of an operational A6M5 (the CMP variant) with this same degree of "weathering" as found in photos of the A6M3's in New Guinea despite some fanciful profile artwork to the contrary. My best guess would be to follow normal weathering conventions regarding paint fading and chipping.

;)
PJ

RE: CMP 120 Zero ARF Build thread
 

I have to respectfully disagree
I dont know where I have them at the moment, but I have a series of photos shot at the end of the war that show several Zeros sitting in a field with a few other fighters and transports. Every single plane in the photo has aluminum showing heavily(like Prekins). The caption reads something like" due to the lack of matierials used in primers and paints, and horrible field conditions"

I'll try to locate them as I archived some pictures for future builds. When I was living in Hawaii, the son of the then Japanese ambassador was a guest speaker on the war. He did mention this about the paint as well. He also added that the Japanese were more concerned with the maintenance, than how they looked. I remember him saying..." a rusty sword is just a sharp".

Casey

RE: CMP 120 Zero ARF Build thread
 

I'm with Casey on the heavy weathering. Also it is important to note the Zero paint pealed off in quite large spots. I always go by the plastic model guys, some do an amazing job for a realistic look. ;)

Cheers V.

RE: CMP 120 Zero ARF Build thread
 

From what I understand, it was mostly due to the primers they were using at the time. Japan was pretty much cut off from alot of materials needed to support their war. Remember, the lack of natural resources was the main drive behind Japans war effort. It didn't want to be dependent on any other country for oil and such, so they want to war to make it theirs.

RE: CMP 120 Zero ARF Build thread
 

This is the real deal, the flaking is authentic, the light green spray was added to prevent storage rust.

RE: CMP 120 Zero ARF Build thread
 

I have A6M5. I was one of the last series. It wasn´t very far to the end of the war. Japan hadn´t enough money, so they had to save them. Zeros had aluminium coat, but other planes had duralumin. Aluminium is oily (greasy,pricey) and this is the reason of the flaking. You have to have better surface for the final painting.

Today I had roll-out with my Zero, but it is still without spinner, but it will be the next week. I was on one small airshow in my neighborhood.

Vasek, what about your Corsair, is it done?

RE: CMP 120 Zero ARF Build thread
 

Thanks!!:D

My research has mirrored Casey's as far as paint and wear on the IJN and IJAA planes. As far as artist's renditions and the wear that they depict; An artist is going to try to portray a realistic portrait and it follows that they would portray a relatively acurate representation of the wear..not exagerate it.

The particular pilot's plane (Saipan based Takumi Hoashi 1944)) that I am modeling was said to be "touched up" on a regular basis so it will not show as much wear as some, but I plan to vary the primary colours some to mimick different levels of wear on the paint as well as different batches. Apparently the "Tiger Corps" were detail oriented.

I think this first photo may be one of several that Casey referenced. There are some here of other planes, I feel it is still representative since they're all WWII Japanese and would have been the same metal, paint and condition.

RE: CMP 120 Zero ARF Build thread
 

I think, that the first picture is from some graveyard :D

Do you know what mean the blue,yellow and red stripes on the landing gear covers?

Vašek, on the 11st and 12nd August is airshow in Holešov, are you going to go there?

RE: CMP 120 Zero ARF Build thread
 

The stripes are on the fixed upper door skin and the lower door cover moves with the wheel and lower strut. Usually when you see photos the planes are at their lowest unloaded weight and most of the blue is visible because the struts are mostly extended. When the plane is fully fueled and armed, especially with a bomb or drop tank, the strut will compress and less of the blue is visible. If the compressed strut shows no blue and it in the yellow zone then it indicates caution, if yellow is covered and only red is visible then the plane MUST be serviced before flying. Some had only blue and red stripes for go/no go only.

The nipple at the top of the strut was for adding/relieving air to set the unloaded extension. There is a hydraulic fluid port lower on the strut. The struts were spring loaded and used ported baffles internally to slow the transfer of hydraulic fluid between the upper and lower chambers to dampen the bounce much like automotive shock absorbers on your car.

One of these planes is in need of service;)

RE: CMP 120 Zero ARF Build thread
 

Thanks, the explanation is pretty easy :D It is very easy how to find out, if I can take-off or not.

RE: CMP 120 Zero ARF Build thread
 

Frets, the first pic plane no 105 has a "graffiti" like quality ( almost spray-can :)), but I'm sure you're aware of that. In my old PC I have a great "rendering" of it. Someday I just might find it LOL

Perkin, no haven't touched the Corsair yet (getting the parts still),BC I'm re-building my garage right now "sob"... on the bright side, I'll have a place to build! ;) I would love to go to Holešov, we could finally meet! There's another show next weekend (forgot the field name) There's a Mustang (shiny metal tail), saw it fly past last week L.O.V.E.L.Y beast! I'll PM you.

Cheers, V.

RE: CMP 120 Zero ARF Build thread
 

Next week the 14th July will be show in Moravský Beroun, I´ll be there. I´m not sure, but I think, that there is some action on the weekend before the Holešov, but I don´t know where, maybe Jeti Metting in Hranice.
In Holešov I will be as visitor. I hope, that I will have a free time [:o]

RE: CMP 120 Zero ARF Build thread
 

Best regards to all of you Zero builders. Nice to see that this thread is alive. Had maybe 10 flights with my Zero and like it very much. On last flight
Had problem with aluminum blocks that are holding struts, but today new ones (my friend, an also modeler made them) arrived and will post pictures tomorrow.

RE: CMP 120 Zero ARF Build thread
 

Here's where the the wing was when I put my foot into it[:@] It appears that it had sheeting meant for the bottom mistakenly applied to the top and then they filled in the cutout with some wood that was so light and weak it was nearly foam. Actually, this was probably a good thing...may have been a problem latter considering how weak it really was. I had considered cutting it out and replacing when I was working on that wing, gear and well initially:eek:

Luckily I had sheeted the entire wheel well bay with a 1/32 (.5mm) light ply before doing the wheel well walls so it gave me a lot of structure to glue the repair patch to after shaving the broken balsa and glue away. I cut it back to 1/2 width of the formers on each side exposed as well for to help with the contour because the sheeting had some slight waves in it. Laid in a new piece of sheeting first filling the entire cut out and then the balsa skin. Wood filler over all. I usually sheet the wells at the bottoms and sides wth the light ply because the wood grain is much finer so it fills with laquer sanding sealer, sands and paints better/easier in the confined space...never thought it would save me on something like this:D

Finished the other fuselage gun and painted them too. Painted the light green-grey base colour on the fuselage, built the second elevator and that was a day[8D] It was a struggle too...112f (43c) in the shop. So glad there is a cold front moving in; I've had it with this heat!!

RE: CMP 120 Zero ARF Build thread
 

The machine guns look very well. I´m looking forward to see your Zero in the flight.

RE: CMP 120 Zero ARF Build thread
 

+1 ^^^^

You put you foot at the best place possible! That was an easy fix ;)

I am also looking forward to your pre-maiden pictures (with the cowl on please ;))

Cheers, V.

RE: CMP 120 Zero ARF Build thread
 

Hello Vasek,
this link is for you http://www.pakfm.estranky.cz/ 4th- 5th August is small show in Frydek Mistek, maybe you know it as Bahna, or Frydecka Bahna.
One year there was a Concorde, La-7 1/2 scale.

RE: CMP 120 Zero ARF Build thread
 

While you guys are working on your Zeros making them works of art, I've been flying mine. Had six flights this week end. It has been hot weather, but all went well. The WingSpan Retract (third set) are working good. Over 40 cycles on them and at least 30 landings. I think I have about 145 flights total on this plane.

RE: CMP 120 Zero ARF Build thread
 

Do you have any video?

RE: CMP 120 Zero ARF Build thread
 

Good to hear that you are having good results with the newer WS retracts. Just had my warranteed set come in the mail on saturday.


I'd love to be flying but with work keeping me booked up during the week to late into the evening and the weekends being filled with graduations, poor weather, some adventure on the lake with the kids or the d@#n control line club meets closing our field to RC I have to settle for my second love in the hobby...Create!

Never have gotten a good explanation as to why, when the CL guys have a meet and stay on the CL side of our field, In their own paved and mowed areas, the RC guys are shut out from using the the other half of the area with the unused runways at the same time? Silly. The only real place to fly is at the club field which is about 45 min away. It's a real bummer to get all loaded up and find the field closed without any notice on the online website.[:@]

RE: CMP 120 Zero ARF Build thread
 

No videos. I'll try to remember to take my video camera to the field next time. Maybe I can get a volunteer cameraman. frets, the CL closing field is a bummer. Specially 45 mins away. I live about 10-15 minutes from the field which is really great. Unfortunately I've become partially unretired which takes me away from the house for a week at a time. Don't mind too much in the winter, but its a pain during flying season.

RE: CMP 120 Zero ARF Build thread
 

I used to have a great place to go with some of the smaller stuff that I could nearly walk to. It was a housing development that foundered with the economic collapse- 75 lots on an old hay field and only six completed houses and 12 slabs poured. Had a nice long straight paved street with no curbs, gutters or houses, very few trees and none of the utility stand pipes lining the sidesof the street. Great place to zip over to just to shake things out. New investor took over and they ramped up construction again back in November...oh well.....[:o] was wonderful for the two or three years it lasted

Would love see some video!!

RE: CMP 120 Zero ARF Build thread
 

My Zero is almost done. Finally I have fibreglass spinner. The diameter is 90mm, becouse I didn´t find anyone, which would fit well, I had to made it myself. The next step will be the wing cannons.

RE: CMP 120 Zero ARF Build thread
 

Spinner looks very good, Prekin. Really cool that you could make one yourself. Your Zero and companion JU-47 both look great. Has the Stuka been flown?

I've been marginally productive this week...a bit short on time. Got my base color painted last weekend. Really starts to show some of the plates and raised panel detail. Decided to take a chance and cut the tail tip off the fuselage and fire up the vacu-forming setup. I think the result is acceptable.

I have also been waiting for 6 months for our only distributor of CMP planes to restock their parts; specifically cowls. Those of you that are regulars on this thread know that my Zero is apparently a very close "clone" of the actual CMP model and I have complained before of the cowl. The lines in it are not uniform, some are not completed. The cowl flaps are unclearly marked, the cowl service/dis-assembly plates on the sides(the 4 ovals on each side) are huge and stick out way too much. The worst part is the gun ports are different lengths as well as one is very shallow and the other quite deep.

The distributor doesn't look like they are going to get any in for a long time so I've begun to "fix" what I have. The gunports are first, cowl flaps will be removed and then reattached in a slightly open position and I think I can sand the ovals down enough to not look just silly.

Cut out one port and epoxy/glassed in a plastic tube lined up with the correct gun position relative to the fuselage, started shaping it and added some more putty.