Fine Molds A6M5 in 1/48 by Dan Salamone

The Zero theme continues for a perennially popular aircraft type. Dan Salamone has been quick off the mark building the recently released Fine Molds IJN Carrier Fighter Zero Model 52 (Nakajima Production) in 1/48 scale  and has kindly shared his review of the kit, build report and images of his excellent finished model. Over to Dan then. 

'This is the 1/48 Fine Molds A6M5 Model 52 Zero (Nakajima), which was finished recently. The base is the older Eduard deck, painted a few years ago.

'The model features the usual very high quality moldings from Fine Molds, an instruction booklet that includes QR codes (which take you to short videos giving a visual explanation of how certain parts fit together) and a brief explanation of the differences between Mitsubishi and Nakajima produced airframes. The kit features some unique, but very precise and time saving engineering. The main example is the slide molded rear fuselage, which fits perfectly to the front fuselage halves, as well as the vertical tail//rudder and horizontal stabilizers. 

'The kit also includes two different styles of clear parts: the usual windshield/sliding portion/rear glass which needs to be masked before painting, as well as separate molded canopy frames with clear panel inserts. Finally, there are decals for a Junyo based aircraft, as well as one based in Saipan that was captured by U.S. forces. 

'I was eagerly awaiting this kit, and was thrilled when it arrived from Hobby Link Japan (currently both kits are showing as 'discontinued' there! Ed). I started the kit the following day, and can say that this is another superb effort from Fine Molds. The parts fit is excellent, the unique engineering cuts building time, and the fact that the kit is 100% styrene means there isn't the issue with tiny photo etched parts, or warped resin/etched flaps. My only changes were using a 3D printed decal for the pilot's harness and tail codes from Lifelike Decals set 48-063 as I wanted to build an aircraft flown from IJN Zuikaku, and finally used metal gun barrels from Master.

'Tamiya paints were used throughout this kit. The interior color was a custom mix not far off from U.S. olive drab, the lower surfaces are XF-76 Gray Green (IJN), cloth surfaces a mix starting with XF-20, Medium Gray. The upper surface dark green is Tamiya XF-70 Dark Green 2 (IJN), and finally XF-69 NATO Black for the cowling. Weathering was kept to a minimum as the images of carrier borne Model 52's from late summer/early fall of 1944 show well maintained and glossy aircraft.

'The combination of kit decals with tail codes from Lifelike were flawless. I like to use Gunze spray can clear coats as they dry quickly and also dry very hard.

'If I would change one thing on this model, it would be using the 'old style' clear canopy parts. I commend Fine Molds for their bold engineering choices, but the separate frames are very fragile to handle, and building these sub assemblies requires extra care and attention. In my opinion the time spent masking regular clear parts would result in a better looking model.

'A few years ago, I started building the new tool Eduard Model 21. I found it to be such a frustrating build process that eventually I threw it away. The Eduard kits are over engineered, such as the multiple part cowl, the tiny and imprecise cockpit location points. My copy of the kit and resin parts featured poor quality control - the 3D printed separate landing flaps warped almost immediately after removal from their runners. In contrast, this Fine Molds kit is designed to save time, enhance detail, and practically every single sub assembly locks into place. The engine appears to be very complex, but upon assembly, the separate exhaust stacks lock into place and give the overall assembly strength and integrity.

'Now hoping for a Model 21 and Model 22 from Fine Molds as well. Buy this kit with confidence and enjoy!'

With special thanks to Dan for sharing these details and images of his superb A6M5 model.

Image credit: Kit box © Fine Molds via Dan Salamone; Accessories © Master and Lifelike Decals; All model photos © 2025 Dan Salamone