A6M Modelers, WATCH OUT FOR THIS BIG MISTAKE, AND HOW TO FIX!

[A6M5]

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

 

 

 

[A6M5]

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.