1/48 Hasegawa A6M3 "Hamp"

Gallery Article by Ian Robertson

This is Hasegawa's 1/48 A6M3 Zeke (Hamp) displayed as a forgotten derelict.  The scenario I had in mind was an aircraft that had been thwarted from taking off by fragmentation bombs dropped by marauding B-25s or Havocs over the Japanese airfield.

 The model was modified with the aid of spare styrene parts and a sharp hobby knife.  The wing-root fuel tank was derived from a spare Hasegawa P-47 external belly tank.  Stock styrene was used for the framing. 

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The aircraft was painted natural metal (SnJ aluminum), followed by light, faded coats of IJN gray (Polly Scale acrylic).  Faded green mottles were also applied to the upper surfaces.  Chalk pastels were used to help fade the surfaces.  All markings were painted on.

The diorama base began with a bread board covered with celluclay.  Various dried mosses were embedded in the celluclay before it dried.   Although not readily visible, water-filled potholes were simulated using clear epoxy resin.

 Photographs were taken using a SONY S75 digital camera.

Ian Robertson

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