A6M5

Hi John! Looks great, especially the vertical stab., as you have the plane balanced out, it looks plumb and 90 degrees to the fuselage.. Unfortunately mine is still bent after following your technique. I see the green line you are talking about much more clearly. I suppose, if you wanted too, you could thin some Tamiya Acrylic Neutral Grey and some Tamiya I J Grey (X-12) and gently dab the green paint and it may disappear altogether. Used it on mine with good results. Just a matter of taste I suppose. I'm watching your video very carefully, thanks.

Hi Mark At 13.15 and 13:22 the seam line is still visible, although John said it was closed up. So I'm not sure. On Wayne's video you can clearly see the same gap @ 8:58. I wrote to the Agora guys who are checking with the engineers in Japan. I think when the die is cut from the steel sheets, they are not changing the cutter blades frequently and as the press lifts up, the cut sheet is sticking to the die cutter and hence bending the frame. If you look at John's Vertical tail, its bent to the left at 14:44. If you have contact with the management at Agora, can you see where they are with this? I was supposed to have a follow up solution, weeks ago. Or if they were going to incorporate my fix as part of the instructions. Thanks Chuck

Hi Mark, you may want to visit A6M Modelers, WATCH OUT FOR THIS BIG MISTAKE, AND HOW TO FIX! I have seen several modelers who have had the same problem, both Wayne on Youtube and John also on Youtube

Good thinking! But I tried that and couldn't get them to operate on the electrical test set.

Hello fellow A6M5 builders, I seemed to have uncovered an issue with Agora's instructions for Pack 11 regarding the Lifting Device Gear Box. Apparently, the camshaft MUST be oriented a certain way in order for you to install it, see pictures below. In order to keep the lifters even before using, they must be of the same height. Picture 1: Camshaft orientation per the instructions. The instructions makes no reference to being oriented per a certain way as later on this will matter a lot. Picture 2 & 3: Both gear boxes with reoriented camshafts. Picture 4: Why it matters: Pack 11, Stage 85, Step 3. The camshaft placed into the groove on slider 065-02. If the cam is oriented any other way, It could result in a crooked flying Zero, one wing higher than the other. If the camshaft is entered into the groove positioned at a different angle that means, the lifter may be higher than the other, i.e. when the plane takes off it will be at an angle, and may also land that way. It may also not be able to achieve level flight. That should have been CLEARLY spelled out in the directions long before you get to Pack 11. Fortunately, the fix is easy at this stage. Carefully open the gearbox, remove the motor, and position the camshaft as shown. Replace the motor and snap the case closed. Cheers, Agora A6M5 Product Engineer and Problem Finder/Solver, and Zero 8-13 Historian (probationary) Charles Schlom

Unfortunately, I did and so did Wayne on his video. The steel frame has a slight bend to it due to the way it came off the die punch. Agora is checking with their engineers in Japan. So they say. If you can, can you upload a photo of the fuselage bottom? I would like to see what "right" looks like. Thanks!

Ok, so after placing the pre painted rod in that seam, this is what your Zero can look like rather than a big ugly seam. (Also Use Tamiya Neutral grey and mix it with Tamiya I J Grey X-12 till you get a color match) Keep in mind this is not going to win any IPMS contests, as the fuselage halves has one seam taller than the other! Ughhh! But it's better than nothing. The sides don't look too bad though. But for a $1,600 kit, this is unacceptably bad quality. My biggest worry is if the landing gear will cycle up and down as the switch system that engages it looks quite problematic. Still waiting for a response from Agora on that one after 6 months. Here is the problem: The landing gear "arm" 028-01 that is supposed to press the landing gear limiting switch 033-03, was made too small and fell short of both switches. So I added plastic "extenders" so that it can depress each switch. Be Sure to check this. Sometimes the landing gear "arm" doesn't depress the switch even though its the correct length. Part 041-01 has the same problem, so be sure to check it. Pic 1. before Pic 2-4 repaired. Quote

Ok, so after placing the pre painted rod in that seam, this is what your Zero can look like rather than a big ugly seam. (Also Use Tamiya Neutral grey and mix it with Tamiya I J Grey X-12 till you get a color match) Keep in mind this is not going to win any IPMS contests, as the fuselage halves has one seam taller than the other! Ughhh! But it's better than nothing. The sides don't look too bad though. But for a $1,600 kit, this is unacceptably bad quality. My biggest worry is if the landing gear will cycle up and down as the switch system that engages it looks quite problematic. Still waiting for a response from Agora on that one after 6 months. Here is the problem: The landing gear "arm" 028-01 that is supposed to press the landing gear limiting switch 033-03, was made too small and fell short of both switches. So I added plastic "extenders" so that it can depress each switch. Be Sure to check this. Sometimes the landing gear "arm" doesn't depress the switch even though its the correct length. Part 041-01 has the same problem, so be sure to check it. Pic 1. before Pic 2-4 repaired.

Hi everyone. I noticed that the steel frame that makes up the spine and attachment points for the electronics has a manufacturer's defect, it's bent! This is Part 055-03 that comes in Stage 55, Pack 7. Unfortunately, its slight, and can't be readily noticed until you are far too into the build to do anything about it. However the results are an ugly seam down the bottom of the fuselage. I came up with a solution that should work. Take some Evergreen Scale Model Plastic Rod, sand ONE side until its flat, and paint using a mix of Tamiya Neutral Grey and some Tamiya I J Grey (X-12). When dry, using Super Glue or White glue, gently place in between the seam. Let dry, and your unsightly seem will be gone. Picture 1: Bent part 055-03. Picture 2: Due to the bent frame, the result will prevent the fuselage halves from meeting and causing an unsightly seam. Picture 3: Placing Sprue rod after sanding and fitting into the seam. (Mine isn't glued in yet, so I can remove it and paint tomorrow.) Picture 4: What to get at most Hobby Stores. This is a nasty surprise, and at this stage, there is absolutely nothing you can do, but try my fix if this happens to you. Drop me note at CMSCHLOM@hotmail.com or here on the forum if you have any problems. V/r, Chuck

Hi everyone. I noticed that the steel frame that makes up the spine and attachment points for the electronics has a manufacturer's defect, it's bent! This is Part 055-03 that comes in Stage 55, Pack 7. Unfortunately, its slight, and can't be readily noticed until you are far too into the build to do anything about it. However the results are an ugly seam down the bottom of the fuselage. I came up with a solution that should work. Take some Evergreen Scale Model Plastic Rod, sand ONE side until its flat, and paint using a mix of Tamiya Neutral Grey and some Tamiya I J Grey (X-12). When dry, using Super Glue or White glue, gently place in between the seam. Let dry, and your unsightly seem will be gone. Picture 1: Bent part 055-03. Picture 2: Due to the bent frame, the result will prevent the fuselage halves from meeting and causing an unsightly seam. Picture 3: Placing Sprue rod after sanding and fitting into the seam. (Mine isn't glued in yet, so I can remove it and paint tomorrow.) Picture 4: What to get at most Hobby Stores. This is a nasty surprise, and at this stage, there is absolutely nothing you can do, but try my fix if this happens to you. Drop me note at CMSCHLOM@hotmail.com or here on the forum if you have any problems. V/r, Chuck

Hi, Pack 10-12?

This particular Zero, 8-13 was found on Saipan with other intact Japanese A6M5 aircraft. The picture below of our kit was taken August 8, 1944, Saipan. The aircraft belonged to the 261st Kokutai (Air Group), 8th Hikotai, Aircraft 13. The kanji on top of the tail translates to "Bi." This is believed to be an abbreviation of the pilots name. The cap (chevron above the kanji) meant he was a more senior pilot. Other planes of the unit had similar kanji that would say "victory," etc. If someone has another interpretation, please chime in. The 261st was flown from mainland Japan, to Iwo Jima, then on to Saipan, to be used for anti ship or kamikaze attacks. It's interesting to note, that despite the plane being a total wreck, the intelligence guys seemed interested in this particular bird, it has even been tagged by the antenna mast. Many aircraft were removed from Saipan aboard the USS Copahee to be taken back to the States for study. It would be nice if Agora could have included a booklet on this particular aircraft. Thanks! Charles

There has been some slowness. About a week or so behind. As parts are coming from China, may be some supply chain issues. Contact your Agora service rep. They expressed mailed mine when they were late.

Thank you, I wish Agora had made that known in their instructions.

Hi John, seems you have an entirely different test set that attaches with the battery pack . Mine comes with a board with lights and an adaption wire. Also, my guns were solid plastic with no fiber cable. I drilled a couple on mm to give the gun barrels some depth.

I would recommend it. It's a bit fiddly, but the engine is just a jewel in itself. The only issue is with the landing gear and a ton of wiring in a small area. YOU MUST watch the videos and then read the instructions. I print mine off so they are handy. Wayne does a good job, but he's made some mistakes on the engine like installing the beautiful ignition harness upside down! I'm on Pack 9, and enjoying the kit! I detailed the cockpit which is very realistic by dry brushing various details to make them pop. Also got a 1/16 Tamiya figure that I will put in the cockpit. I'm choosing to do the kit as delivered, as it depicts an actual Zero stationed on Saipan for Kamikaze and shipping attacks in 1944. Here are some of my build pics:

Yes and no. Hanchette was a French company that originally sold the Zero in the Japanese market. An Italian company, Leoni SPa, oversaw the production of the kit overseas. Then Agora picked up the Zero kit.

Hi John, have you had any issues with the landing gear not closing properly? Here is what I couldn't find out except from contact with Wayne on his build videos. 1. The landing gear "arm" 028-01 that is supposed to press the landing gear limiting switch 033-03, was made too small and fell short of both switches. So I added plastic "extenders" so that it can depress each switch. Be Sure to check this. Sometimes the landing gear "arm" doesn't depress the switch even though its the correct length. Part 041-01 has the same problem, so be sure to check it. Also the right landing gear does not stay tucked up into the wheel well and hangs slightly low. 2. Are the barrels to the 7.7mm machine guns mounted in the nose of the A6M to be drilled out with a pin vise? Mine, and the ones I've see on video, all appear to be blocked solid. If that is the case, how does the LED light shine through the gun barrel? Is it the same with the 20mm guns? Current progress:

If you find yourself coming up short again, mount the short ones in the rear cylinders. Even if they are just a few mm off, they will look like they are connecting. If the flex upward, trim carefully until they reach the in take oil port horizontally and straight. I would recommend taking the flexing one's off and replace with new ones.

Hi, Had the same problem. Some fit well, too short or too long. Best thing to do is to try dry fitting another oil line from the sprue. If you come up short, nip the sprue so there is extra plastic on the end. That will solve 95% of the problem. Remember, the engine is an absolute jewel, so it really is worth doing correctly. Same when you get to the ignition harness, which is gorgeous, make sure you dry fit it exactly to the instructions. Wayne has a video on this but he installed it upside down. Once the glue sets, you're screwed. The exhaust pipes are also bit of a problem, take your time, dry fit everything then add a dab of superglue, try to use just a bit as you don't want the glue smearing on the parts. Use a pin vice with a sewing needle in the chuck to apply it. If glue builds up, take it to the stove and burn it off. But double check everything. I'm on Pack 8. So if you need any help give me a shout here or at CMSchlom@hotmail.com. The kit is a blast to build!

Be CAREFUL: The landing gear "arm" 028-01 that is supposed to press the landing gear limiting switch 033-03, was made too small and fell short of both switches. So I added plastic "extenders" so that it can depress each switch. Be Sure to check this. Sometimes the landing gear "arm" doesn't depress the switch even though its the correct length. Part 041-01 has the same problem, so be sure to check it.

I found that the shaft with the bearing on it was loose, so I tightened it up again and it worked. But I had to disassemble part of the landing gear.

I had a problem with the right landing gear hanging slightly too low and will not close the landing gear door. The gears were fully meshed, but it still was hanging low. The problem was with the main gear strut, as it is slightly bent or does not retract fully. I put a shim on the landing gear door mechanism so the tire would touch it and the gear door would close. Did you have this problem? How did you resolve it? REPLY

Try watching the video first, I believe Wayne addresses that problem.

Yes, several things to watchout for. When using the compass decal, attach very carefully, otherwise it will tear very easily. Put some water down on the instrument panel. Then be careful to put the decal in place with a toothpick. Take up any excess water with a Q-tip. Let dry completely. (Use lukewarm water.) The biggest challenge you will face, will be placing the oversized metal pins in the landing gear support, and the landing gear scissors assembly, Stage 30. The landing gear pin wil insert, but be careful inserting it, use needle a needle nose plier. If your not careful, it can zing off the plier into the nether world. Parts 030-04 & 5. This is where everyone has trouble, as those parts are very delicate, and shatter easily, as the connecting holes are too small for the pin. Take a pin vise with a diameter slightly larger than the metal pin, then gently drill out the holes in the upper and lower arms to make them a little larger. The pins will slide in easily. Be super careful when placing circuit board 033-03. The wires are soldered very delicately, and if you are not careful the wires can break of from their solder point. Cockpit wiring, same issue, make sure you bend them carefully so as not to break them off from their solder point. Read the instructions carefully, then watch the video. It clears up a lot of questions you might have. I'm on pack 6, but still waiting for it.