Jump to content
Playing in the Sandbox Group Build Sept 1, 2024 - Jn 1, 2025

Tamiya 1/32 A6M2b to a A6M3 model 22


Recommended Posts

Ok here goes. I'm going to try to turn Tamiyas 1/32 A6M2b into a A6M3 model 22. This will involve using some of the kit parts that are meant for the A6M5 (earlier release) that come in the kit. I'm really new to all this Japanese stuff. It sure is a lot more complicated than US stuff.

  From what I have been able to determine the A6M2b used the Sakee 12 which has a upfed carburetor (it's mounted on the bottom of the engine) thats why there's a air intake on the lower part of the cowl. It also has a shorter nose gear cover then The Sakee 21.

  The A6M3 model 22 uses the Sakee 21 which has a downfed carburetor (it's mounted on the top of the engine) and has a air intake on the upper part of the cowl (similar to the A6M5). It also has a longer nose gear cover and the rear of the engine is different. My first problem is do I have to modify the kit cowl or is there a different option?  Can I use the cowl from the A6M5? It doesn't look like the right shape to me.

  I'm just starting on this, all I have done is create the long barrel 20mm cannon from the extra parts in the kit (I have the Master brass barrels for the A6M5 that I'm going to use on this). I also am about to paint all the area that will be Aotake with Vallejo metal color white aluminum before I lay down a coat of the Aotake.

 When I get down to my work area I'll post some pictures.

Ron G 

  • Like 4
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Ok here some pictures. First the kit cowl.

20190124_163828.jpg

20190124_163858.jpg

Box art of the two kits.

 

 

20190124_164455.jpg

20190124_161924.jpg

The kit parts for the A6M2b Sakae 12 engine.

This is the updraft carburetor part.

20190124_163150.jpg

This is the shorter nose gear cover and the rear cover parts.

20190124_163218.jpg

This are the support rings for the Sakae 12 engine.

20190124_163332.jpg

The include parts for the Sakae 21 engine.

These are the longer nose gear cover and rear cover for the Sakae 21 (included in the kit).

20190124_164323.jpg

These are the support rings for the A6M5 and Sakae 21 engine.

20190124_164348.jpg

This is the down draft carburetor for the Sakae 21 engine.

20190124_164435.jpg

This is my modified 20mm cannon.

20190124_163959.jpg

This has the larger drum magazine. Also the barrel will be replaced with the Master one.

20190124_164106.jpg

20190124_160853.jpg

This shows the part from the A6M5 (included in the kit) that allows room for the larger magazine drum.

20190124_160837.jpg

Well that's as far as I am at the moment. Still doing research. :book: So let me know what you think and any help or suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks Ron G 

These are the magnetos and intake scoop for the down draft carburetor. This picture got out of sequence sorry about that.

20190124_164410.jpg

  • Like 5
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Hi Ron

I cross-kitted the 2 Tamiya kits over on LSP (not finished as I have to paint it all now the conversion is done) There are several differences, too many for me to note here.  But essentially I used the -5 fuse with -2 wings.  -5 cowl modified to match the -3 as well as cowl flaps off -5 with cut outs filled in.  It actually cross kits really well, a bit of jiggery at the fwd wingroot area as you have to graft a little piece of the -5 wing onto the -2 wing at the front for the correct cooler.

Cheers Anthony 

  • Like 5
Link to comment
Share on other sites

1 hour ago, Anthony in NZ said:

Hi Ron

I cross-kitted the 2 Tamiya kits over on LSP (not finished as I have to paint it all now the conversion is done) There are several differences, too many for me to note here.  But essentially I used the -5 fuse with -2 wings.  -5 cowl modified to match the -3 as well as cowl flaps off -5 with cut outs filled in.  It actually cross kits really well, a bit of jiggery at the fwd wingroot area as you have to graft a little piece of the -5 wing onto the -2 wing at the front for the correct cooler.

Cheers Anthony 

Hey Anthony

 How much difference is there in the two cowls?

  • Like 4
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Ha! I saw this thread and my reply was going to be that you need to check out Anthony's thread over on LSP as he is doing the same... But he bet me too it!

He just needs to finish the damn thing!

 

  • Like 5
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Well I think I'm going to have to take a different approach to this kit. I don't want to spend the money on the A6M5 kit so it looks like the A6M3 is out. Going to do it with a mottled green over grey upper/grey lower Mitsubishi. My have to make it a fictitious plane if I can't find decals for a specific plane painted like this.

 

14-d019.jpg

  • Like 3
Link to comment
Share on other sites

1 hour ago, Anthony in NZ said:

Pleasure mate.  I am happy to help along the way when you get going.  There are a couple of panels that need filling in the lower wing also.  

I am struggling not to go back and finish her off low...LOL

Go on you know you want to!

 

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Ok,  I actually started putting it together. Step 1 thru 3 is done.

20190128_160902.jpg

Pictures of the cockpit parts detail painted.

need to add decal to part 3720190128_155954.jpg

20190128_155923.jpgneed to add decal to cockpit side on right.

20190128_160049.jpg

20190128_160022.jpg

instrument panel bezels painted black20190128_160157.jpgstarted some weathering on the cockpit floor.20190128_160132.jpg

Hopefully tomorrow I'll have the cockpit put together.

Thanks for looking Ron G 

  • Like 4
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Nice work Ron, looks like you nailed that cockpit green colour.

I would like to ask a question regarding the Vallejo metal colour. How do you find it dries? I have some Aluminium that stays slightly tacky whenever I use it, whether over primer or straight on plastic? Do you find it goes off just fine, or does it stay slightly tacky?

I even tried matt coating it and the matt coat wouldn't dry either??

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
×
×
  • Create New...