FIRST TIME? 
Description
This is an injection-plastic aircraft model kit.
Fine Molds and Model Graphix Magazine have teamed up to offer a fantastic new 1/72-scale injection-molded plastic kit of the A6M2 Type 21 Zero Fighter, included as a two-part special in the November and December issues of Model Graphix. The November issue includes the fuselage and cockpit parts, with the December issue containing the wings and other details. The instructions for each phase of assembly are included in the appropriate issue.
HobbyLink Japan is proud to offer BOTH issues together as a single set, bringing you the full Zero kit with all instructions, plus the two issues of the magazine. Model Graphix is Japan's most well-rounded hobby magazine, full of articles on all modeling genres including aircraft, figures, science fiction, cars, ships, and more, featuring excellent photography throughout. All text is in Japanese.
Fine Molds' new kit is undoubtedly the finest offering of the Zero in 1/72 scale, with exquisite and authentic detail throughout. Flaps and ailerons are molded separately, as are the cowl flaps (your choice of open or closed!). The canopy is offered as either a one-piece closed affair or a three-piece assembly to build it in the open position. The excellent detail of the cockpit almost demands an open canopy! The engine and landing gear feature fantastic details, and the kit will include optional parts for the propeller's spinner, wing gun ports, and underwing gun access panels. Markings are included for three versions: famed Zero ace Saburo Sakai's V-103 aircraft, Tetsuzo Iwamoto's EII-I02 aircraft based on the IJN aircraft carrier Zuikaku, and an aircraft from the 263rd Squadron.
This excellent Zero kit from Fine Molds will only be offered as a premium included with these two issues of Model Graphix (the issues are also sold separately if you prefer, linked below), and will not be offered alone as a separate kit. Act fast, because when they're gone, they're gone!
Details
Assembly Guide
Skill Level 3:
Basic Skills Required
Kits rated as skill level 3 are traditional model kits that require all basic modeling skills to complete. This includes cutting parts from runners and trimming or sanding them prior to use, assembling them with cement, and the use of paint to complete them.
To properly complete a level 3 kit, you should have at least a basic set of modeling supplies, including plastic nippers, a hobby knife, files and/or sandpaper, plastic cement, instant (cyanoacrylate) cement (for resin, soft-vinyl or metal parts), painting supplies including brushes, paint, thinner and masking tape, tweezers and possibly decal softener for applying decals to difficult areas.
Kits in this class are not suitable for small children unless there is complete parental supervision. Adults who have never before completed a plastic model kit may want to read one of the many excellent modeling guides available at most hobby shops before trying to build one of these kits.
Skill level 3 kits include a very large portion of our catalog. Most traditional plastic model kits fall into this category.
Cement Required
This item requries the use of cement (glue) to complete. For injection-plastic kits, use the weld-type clear cement specifically designed for use on styrene plastic. For some smaller parts, you may wish to use instant type (cyanoacrylate) glue. For resin, white metal, soft vinyl and photo-etched materials, the use of instant type cement is strongly recommended.
A SAFETY NOTE ABOUT INSTANT CEMENT
Parents and all modelers should note that instant cement (cyanoacrylate) bonds skin instantly. While this in itself is not harmful, forcibly attempting to pull the skin apart can tear the skin and cause injury. If you or your child happens to inadvertenly glue themselves with instant cement, don't pull, but use remover for instant cement, or nail polish remover to dissolve the bond instead.
Painting Required
This model kit or accessory must be painted in order to achieve a realistic appearance.
While there are slight differences depending on the country you live in, there are generally three types of paint available for modeling: Acrylic, Enamel and Lacquer. Their characteristics are described below.