My next [and, to date, the last] model in 1:32 scale is the slim Japanese Zero, also known as the "Big Mosquito", a true counterweight to the fat American Hellcat. Frankly, I was mainly inspired by the drawing on the box cover depicting the clash result between these two aircrafts [provided that both were operated by equally skilled pilots]. Some years have passed since then, so now I am going to present only a superficial description of my construction.

Preconditions:
I used a Hasegawa kit, which was on sale at the time [I am not a big fan of Japanese aircrafts]; in addition, I enhanced my model with PE detail sets from Eduard. I didn't use any other accessories in my build.

Kit:
This plastic model kit also belongs to an older generation of Hasegawa casts, which is evident from the surface texture and the detailing [small parts simply didn't exist].

Detail sets:
Taking into account the lack of details of the original kit, I ordered two Eduard PE sets for detailing my model. As it happened some time ago, I am unable to look up the specific codes for those sets now. In any case, the metal parts were very easy to work with; no major adjustment of plastic components was necessary.

Shape precision:
I didn't focus on evaluating the shape precision of this kit.

Equipment and weaponry:
The kit includes a simplified model of a radial engine.

Assembly:
The component assembly went smoothly; the only problem was fitting the fuselage halves together, namely the subsequent filling of their joint. As you can see on the photographs, I certainly underestimated the problem.

Preparations:
I didn't use any special techniques for this model's construction; my only preparation was searching for suitable documentation on the internet.

Model-building procedure:
The construction process was very pleasant; it took me about as much time as a high quality kit in 1/48 scale would otherwise take. I don't see any point in describing the detailed building procedure in this article.

Painting:
I painted the model with the help of a spraybrush from Revell, using exclusively the synthetic Agama colors [see the relevant color tones for the Japanese air-force]. As I was dealing with large surface areas, the painting was relatively straightforward.

Decals:
I used the original Hasegawa decals without the application of softening solutions. The finished composition received a coat of semi-matt Agama enamel mixed with gloss enamel in 1:1 ratio.

Weathering:
I applied the same weathering technique as the one described in my Hellcat "wreck" review. I merely reduced the degree of "wear and tear" [according to the historic photographs].

Conclusion:
The final appearance of my slant-eyed mosquito filled me with satisfaction for a long time. I even achieved some results with it at a modeling competition [3rd place in the regional round]. Nevertheless, I must conclude by saying that the imperfections of large scale kits have discouraged me from further attempts at 1:32 models.