A6M3 Zero mask

Eduard's 1:48 scale A6M3 Zero mask sheet is located in a small plastic pouch along with an A5 size instruction sheet.

Provided are masks for the entire canopy and the wheels. This reference will make it easier to paint the complex greenhouse of the Zero which in the case of the A6M3 is composed of no less than 22 windows!

Quality is the usual standard by the Czech manufacturer so I expect no real problems in removing the masks and then applying them to the clear part. To prevent bleeding through effects, it is necessary not to apply to much paint or thin it too much. Don't forget to spray the interior color first before doing the final camouflage.

It is to note that while it is written A6M3, this reference can be used on virtually any Hasegawa Zero kit since they share the same clear plastic sprue G: A6M2b, A6M2-N (Rufe floatplane), A6M3 type 22, A6M3 type 32, A6M3a, A6M5, A6M5a, A6M5b, A6M5c, A6M7 and A6M8. Notable exceptions are the A6M1 prototype, the A6M2a, the A6M2-K (Eduard ref. EX272) and the A6M5 Night Fighter. However, apart from the A6M2 K, 95% of the A6M3 masks can be used on the others as well, the difference being very minor.

Conclusion

While I often cut the canopy masks myself to save some money, in some cases, when the clear parts are complex, using an Eduard reference will save a lot of time with a perfect result in the end.