The Zero Model 22 tells a story about distance as much as speed. Its immediate predecessor, the A6M3 Model 32, introduced the more powerful Sakae 21 engine and clipped wingtips, but lost range. That was a serious disadvantage in the Solomon Islands, where fighters faced long flights over open water. The Model 22 restored the 12-metre span and folding tips and added wing fuel capacity to recover the endurance the campaign demanded.
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Although its silhouette resembles the earlier Model 21, the Model 22 retained the newer engine installation. A related Model 22a carried longer-barrelled wing cannon, and Tamiya supplies the parts needed to reflect that distinction. The aircraft began reaching operational groups in early 1943. Its development shows how wartime improvements were rarely a simple march toward greater speed: fuel, armament, handling and the geography of a campaign all pulled a design in different directions.
The kit's markings place the aircraft in the Solomons during May and June 1943. These examples also capture a transition in camouflage, with green upper finishes applied over the earlier gray-green base. Saburo Shindo's 582nd Naval Air Group machine adds distinctive yellow command chevrons. Choosing its markings and cannon configuration before assembly makes the finished model a recognisable snapshot of that hard-fought campaign, rather than a blend of details from several Zero variants.
Sources and accuracy
Tamiya 60785 original instruction manual; Tamiya 60785 variant history; Tamiya background history supplied with the Zero family
These are the kit manufacturer’s paint recommendations. Follow the exact instruction diagrams for placement, marking choices and mixes. They are separate from the historical palettes below.
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Historical Paint Schemes
Choose a documented aircraft or vehicle finish, then a paint system. These researched alternatives are separate from the instruction list above.
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Exterior scheme colors only. Check the diagrams for pattern and placement. Interior, crew, small details and decals are not included unless a pack explicitly says so. Model paints are manufacturer-intended reproductions or labeled approximations, not independently measured exact historical matches.
Sources and accuracy
Tools for this build
Practical suggestions for assembling and finishing this kit. Buy only what you need; nothing here is added automatically.
The A6M3/3a Zero fighter (Model 22) was designed to correct some of the shortcomings of its A6M3 (Model 32) predecessor, which included reduced flight range. This entailed the Model 22 being given standard-length 12m wings and receiving a larger fuel tank, measures which were largely successful. A version was also produced with longer machine gun barrels. The Model 22 was first assigned to flight groups from early 1943, and saw action in the hotly-contested Solomon Islands area.
This is a 1/72 scale plastic assembly model kit. Length: 126mm, Width: 167mm. _x0098_ _x0085_The more symmetrical form adopted by the Model 22 is realistically captured by the model. _x0098_ _x0085_The model can be assembled with longer wing-mounted machine guns. _x0098_ _x0085_The cockpit interior and landing gear bay are also accurately reproduced. _x0098_ _x0085_Choose between open and closed canopy parts. _x0098_ _x0085_2 marking options are included.
