Techmod from Poland is a well known producer of the decals in all popular scales. This time the company provides us another set dedicated to one of the symbols of the air war on the Pacific front: Japanese fighter A6M2 Zero.

Markings

In the set we can find three painting schemes from the different periods of the war.

1. JJ-170, A6M2 model 21, Konoike Kokutai, February 1944
2. AI-101, A6M2 model 21, pilot Shigeru Itaya, Carrier Akagi, strike on Pearl Harbour, 7th December 1941
3. V-103, A6M2 model 21, pilot Saburo Sakai, Tainan Kokutai, Denspar Air Base, Bali, February 1942

The machines AI-101 and V-103 represents the whole IJN grey planes while JJ-170 is painted dark green on the upper sides of the wings and fuselage and IJN grey on the lower sides, each of the with black engine nacelle. The choice of the planes is very eye-catching as each of them have bright red, yellow or blue stripes and large stencils, none of them can be described as dull or boring although Sakai's plane or AI-101 are probably one of the most often build Zeros – at least I have that feeling. It would be difficult for me to decide which one I would like to have.

Each painting scheme is reproduced on four side views showing the positions of the markings. There is also a page with the location of the stencils which are common for all schemes. Stencils diagrams also shows us the positions of the placards on the landing gear and propeller blades. Some of the stencils are given in two variants depending on the producer of the particular plane: Mitsubishi or Nakajima. Only the AI-101 is described in the instruction as produced by Mitsubishi so you will have to find in your own references who made other two machines.


The decal sheet
The decal sheet has the size of 13x18cm. Number of decals allows us to choose one plane out of all three. Quality is typical for the latest sets from Techmod: very good. Thin and very subtle carrier film, bright colours, sharp edges and absolutely no misalignment. The practice of their use shows us there is also no problem with their adhere to the surface, of course when you place them on the very smooth surfaces (preferably covered with Future or gloss lacquer).


Conclusion
The set is a comprehensive upgrade to your Zero model if the producer painting schemes do not satisfy you with the quality or the choice of machines. You can fully decal your model right from the landing gear up to the top of the vertical stabilizer.

Special thanks to Techmod for providing the review sample.