# Kawasaki Zaku II

My first completed model, a Bandai Zaku II.

Named after the army green colour, used for Second World War [Kawasaki airplanes](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kawasaki_Aerospace_Company).

Paints used:

* Primer: Mr. Surfacer 1000
* Main colour: Mr. Color 130 - Kawasaki Green
* Tubes: Mr. Color 60 - Gray
* Torso, hands, knees: Tamiya LP-61 Metallic Gray
* Rifle, thrusters: Mr. Color 28 Steel 

---

2024-12-22

![just assembled zaku 2](/images/plamo/showcase/gundam/kawasaki-zaku-ii/20241222_220038)

2025-03-20

I used sprue goo/glue and cut plastic [bread clips](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bread_clip) to close the seams and holes on the legs.

![sprue goo legs](/images/plamo/showcase/gundam/kawasaki-zaku-ii/20250320_130226)

I also added some additional scribed lines to the arms, torso and spikes. Filled some empty parts of the skirt. The underside of the ammonition drum filled with bread clips and cut a hole in the backpack to place a mesh for some extra detail.

![customizations](/images/plamo/showcase/gundam/kawasaki-zaku-ii/20250320-customizations)

2025-03-21

All parts ready and primed with Mr. Surfacer 1000.

![parts in primer](/images/plamo/showcase/gundam/kawasaki-zaku-ii/20250321)

2025-04-02

Parts airbrushed with lacquer colours.

![parts in lacquer](/images/plamo/showcase/gundam/kawasaki-zaku-ii/20250402)

2025-04-11

Masking tape used to cover parts when airbrushing. By closing the outer plates with sprue glue, I had no way to separate these leg parts anymore. But Tamiya masking tape works well here. 

![parts with masking tape](/images/plamo/showcase/gundam/kawasaki-zaku-ii/20250411)

2025-04-14

The front and back view of the Zaku II figure, with some decals applied.

I added a little plastic pink diamond for its mono-eye, which will be revealed later.

![front and back view of figure](/images/plamo/showcase/gundam/kawasaki-zaku-ii/20250414-front-back)

Applied a little weathering with oil paint and mixing medium for some greasy streaks. It takes several layers and the oil paint dries slowly.

![weathering](/images/plamo/showcase/gundam/kawasaki-zaku-ii/20250414-weathering)

2025-04-23

With the kit finished, I wanted to try and build a base for it.

![creating the base 1](/images/plamo/showcase/gundam/kawasaki-zaku-ii/20250423-base)

2025-04-29

![creating the base 2](/images/plamo/showcase/gundam/kawasaki-zaku-ii/20250429-base)

2025-05-01

The tree is a 1/150 scale (N-Gauge for trains) Kuromatsu tree, made by Tomytec.

![creating the base 3](/images/plamo/showcase/gundam/kawasaki-zaku-ii/20250501-base)

2025-05-02

One day later, the figure is displayed at AnimeCon 2025. As you can see, there is frosting on the asphalt base, caused by improper use of varnish. The Zaku itself also has gotten a layer of orange peel looking coating.

![display at animecon 1](/images/plamo/showcase/gundam/kawasaki-zaku-ii/20250502-animecon-1)

I was there as part of the SIG Plamo (Special Interest Group Plastic Models) group! Can you find the Kawasaki Zaku among these amazing models and figures made by the group?

![display at animecon 2](/images/plamo/showcase/gundam/kawasaki-zaku-ii/20250502-animecon-2)

Here are some final photographs of the completed figure, already gathering some dust.

![final figure 1](/images/plamo/showcase/gundam/kawasaki-zaku-ii/20250606-final-1)

![final figure 2](/images/plamo/showcase/gundam/kawasaki-zaku-ii/20250606-final-2)

This round decal is an image of the [131 squadron](https://www.defensie.nl/onderwerpen/emblemen/emblemen-koninklijke-luchtmacht/131-squadron) of the Royal Dutch Airforce.

![final figure 3](/images/plamo/showcase/gundam/kawasaki-zaku-ii/20250606-final-3)

![final figure 4](/images/plamo/showcase/gundam/kawasaki-zaku-ii/20250606-final-4)