3D Printed Accessories for the A6M Zero: turning plastic into a real aircraft
Details make the difference – and with the Zero, that’s doubly true. Our 3D printed upgrades bring realism and life to cockpits, engines and airframe details. Take a look at how just a few precisely designed parts can elevate your model from good to truly exceptional.
The heart of the Zero: Nakajima Sakae 12 Engine
The Nakajima Sakae 12 Engine 1/48 is exactly the kind of detail that turns a standard kit into a showpiece. Every fin, cable and pipe is faithfully reproduced with maximum precision. The print is crisp, layer-free, and most importantly: it fits Eduard kits perfectly with no need for heavy sanding or modification. A touch of paint, a thin wash – and suddenly you’ve got an engine ready to roar.
Open cooling flaps with exhausts: bringing the nose to life
If you’re displaying the engine open, the set of open engine cooling flaps with exhausts is a must-have. Thin yet sturdy, with realistically curved blades, they add real depth and movement to the model. The exhausts have beautiful texture for weathering – just add a bit of pigment or an oil streak, and you can almost smell the burnt fuel.
Bulkheads and seats: a cockpit that breathes
When the canopy is open, the cockpit becomes the star of the show. That’s why we designed our 3D printed parts based on original Japanese engineering drawings.
- A6M2-K – two bulkheads with seats (Eduard 1/48) – perfect for the two-seat trainer version. Sharp edges, fine structure detail, realistically thin seat shells.
- A6M – bulkhead with seat in “middle” position (Tamiya 1/32) – the larger scale means more room for weathering, scratches and wear. The result? A cockpit that looks alive even without a pilot figure.
Each set is printed with precision, smooth surface finish and easy installation in mind. Once painted and dry-brushed, these parts really come to life.
Small details that make a big difference: UV cabin lamps
Sometimes, it’s the tiniest elements that make the biggest impact. The Japanese UV Cabin Lamps (1/48, 12 pcs) set is one of those – a subtle yet eye-catching addition that gives the cockpit real depth. Each lamp is sharply printed, with a visible socket and reflector. Perfect for cockpit interiors or diorama lighting details.
Why 3D prints from Art Scale?
Every part is designed and printed in the Czech Republic, in a workshop where cutting-edge 3D technology meets modelers’ passion. We use high-resolution resins made specifically for fine-scale printing, ensuring dimensional stability, excellent paint adhesion and durability. Each print is manually checked – because in scale modeling, fractions of a millimeter matter.