A6M5
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Posts posted by A6M5
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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
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On 3/10/2022 at 12:35 PM, nitropup55 said:
It's been a while since I have received any parts for the Zero. Is anybody else having this problem? The last pack I received was Pack 8, and that was like three months ago. Any thoughts?
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.
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On 3/6/2022 at 9:55 AM, john hunter said:
This is what I use to test the LED's and motors and cannons.
Thank you, I wish Agora had made that known in their instructions.
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On 2/19/2022 at 5:09 AM, john hunter said:
Definitely do not use any drill as they are fiber optics and you will damage them. Connect the guns/cannons to the test board LED socket and switch on. Check out my build on YouTube John's model making....https://www.youtube.com/c/JohnsModelmaking
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.
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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:
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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.
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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:
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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.
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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!
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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.
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On 11/14/2021 at 11:21 PM, A6M5 said: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?
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.
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On 11/5/2021 at 12:02 AM, Ajacobi said:
hi, I was just reviewing the new instructions and comparing them to the 6th pack and noticed something off. The servo that came in pack 6 is shown installed in the gear box before they show them testing the new servo, yet the reuploaded pack 6 says to not install it. should I install before attaching the gear box or wait till I test the servo first?
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? -
On 11/5/2021 at 12:02 AM, Ajacobi said:
hi, I was just reviewing the new instructions and comparing them to the 6th pack and noticed something off. The servo that came in pack 6 is shown installed in the gear box before they show them testing the new servo, yet the reuploaded pack 6 says to not install it. should I install before attaching the gear box or wait till I test the servo first?
Try watching the video first, I believe Wayne addresses that problem.
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On 10/28/2021 at 1:08 PM, john hunter said:
Hi all, patiently waiting for pack 4 of the Zero to arrive, probably next week now which is a disappointment. Any lessons to learn from anyone who has assembled pack 4?
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.
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7 hours ago, admin said:
Hi all,
The problem with the wire on the servomotor (052-01) is that it has been manufactured with the wires in the reverse sequence on the plug to what they should be. Therefore in Pack 7, stage 59 (assembling the elevator for which the servomotor is needed), we are supplying a new adapter part which will essentially correct the wring sequence. Once you attach this adapter to the existing wiring you can then run the test with the battery pack. I have just today received this part to try it out and the problem is resolved. 😃
Therefore it is not necessary to cut or refit any of the wiring on the server motor, just wait for the adapter in stage 59 to resolve the issue.
This is all reflected in the updated instructions for Pack 6 that are now in the download center. If your instructions say to test the server, then you have the old instructions, so please download the updated Pack 6 instructions. Pack 7 instructions will show you exactly what you need to do and are due to be uploaded soon
Many thanks!
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2 hours ago, Ajacobi said:
i now see they changed, any reason for the sudden change?
Could you be more specific? You won't be getting much advice here. My opinion is Agora really doesn't know much about this product or model building in general. Please visit my profile, and direct any questions to me and I'll do my best to help you.
Charles
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5 hours ago, Ajacobi said:
You have several options: 1. cut the wire, reverse it, splice and spot solder it, then heat shrink with electrical tubing to seal the splice and solder. Then test. 2. Cut the red and black wire where it connects to the plug so that both wires are separate, use a sharp exacto knife. Then tug gently on the black, then red wire. If one pulls out, the plug is broken. I would splice the wire so more copper shows and stick back in the plug, try to get a drop of solder into the plug with the wire already inserted. Then test 3. Best course of action, ask for a new part. Agora is good about that. I'm on Pack 5, but have to replace the travel switch in Pack 4 for the main landing gear due to a wire breaking off. The spot solder and wire broke while trying to install it. I soldered back, but asked for a new one as that is a no fail point (not having the landing gear not rotate. after the wing is built.) Hope this helps.
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Could you be a bit more specific? Landing gear, ailerons, etc.? Also what stage are you on?
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Guys, I broke mine too. The easiest way to do this is to use a pin vise and drill the holes out just a tiny bit. The pin will slip right in.
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Hi, I have a question that nobody at Agora seems to know the answer to. 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?
Thanks
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A6M Modelers, WATCH OUT FOR THIS BIG MISTAKE, AND HOW TO FIX!
in Zero Chat
Posted
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