Japanese Zero scratch build in 1/56th (28mm)

[Johnnytodd]

I just finished this japanese zero fighter in 1/56th scale as the focal point of a skirmish game set in the Aleutian islands.  This represents the aircraft flown by Flight Petty Officer Tadayoshi Koga who crash landed after a raid on Dutch Harbor June 3, 1942.   Early in the Pacific War the Zero was something of an enigma and was much feared by Allied pilots.  Recovery of Koga's intact plane was a major victory for US intelligence - ultimately revealing many of the zero's strengths and weaknesses.



The model was constructed out of basswood.



The plans I used were originally supplied by the US government to hobbyists during WW2 to construct aerial recognition models.  You can find the Zero and many other planes here:

http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/index.php?cat=13

[hhbeast]

Nice model, that turned out really sweet. Great link too!

[Wirelizard]

What a cool resource, thanks for the link!

Great Zero, too - shouldn't it look a bit more crashed?

[postal]

very awsome job.

[coggon]

I have had the honor of seeing some of Johnny Todd's scratchbuilt stuff.  Its looks even better in person!

[aircav]

WOW thats fantastic 
Great job 

[Mainly28s]

Very, very nice indeed, John. It looks absolutely spot-on.

[Helen]

Lovely work John. How about a float version?

Helen

[Johnnytodd]

Hi Helen,

I considered doing the zero float plane version "Rufe" but then came across the story of the Yokosuka "Glen".  This was a submarine launched float plane which had the distinction of being the only aircraft ever to bomb the continental USA.  Definitely a pulp scenario in there somewhere!!



My next model will be a Stuka



I'll post more photos as it progresses.

[Helen]

Thanks John, I saw the Rufe on the link you provided.

Stuka is a good choice and good luck.

We had a Japanese float plane fly over Melbourne too during the conflict. I know I kept the details somewhere in archives.

Cheers,

Helen

[CompanyB]

Forget the planes...  We want a 1/56th Carrier!

Then we can pit it against my reworked 1/56 Submarine.  Though, I'm not sure there is a game table big enough...


A Japanese Float Plane would be keen...

Brent
Company B

[Johnnytodd]

A carrier would be the ultimate 28mm vehicle... sadly an Essex Class aircraft carrier in 1/56th scale would be 15.58 feet long !!! ... and the crew of 2600 would mean a lot of figure painting. 

Here's a boat that would be an easier build & a good foe for your sub:



Eventually I'll get around to building one.

John

[Sendak]

OUTstanding wood work.

Well done!

[jtrnka]

John, if you mastered a carrier I would pull out all the stops to cast it just for the challenge!!

Jeff @ JTFM

[SgtPerry]

A carrier would be the ultimate 28mm vehicle... sadly an Essex Class aircraft carrier in 1/56th scale would be 15.58 feet long !!! ... and the crew of 2600 would mean a lot of figure painting. 
(...)

A french guy built a japanese one in 20mm...



More pics here
http://www.blitzkrieg.fr/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1246

The making-of
http://www.blitzkrieg.fr/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1229