Replica
Justin Taylan 2004
Restoration
This is a replica Zero modified as a two seat version. It is described as an A6M2 Model 21 with folding wingtips, but was assigned the manufacture number of A6M3 Model 22 Zero 3852.
Santa Monica Museum of Flight hired a restoration facility in Russia to build this Zero from new materials for approximately $300,000 USD in 1994. Construction occurred between 1994-1997.
Components recovered by Bruce Fenstermaker from Babo Airfield in 1991 served as a basis for this restoration. How many original parts, if any is unclear.
Ryan Toews adds:
"The plane is lacking the adjustable trim tab on the rudder as well as the servo tabs on the ailerons. However, the plane has the firewall set in the position found on the Model 22. I think the plane is thus more a 22 than a 21, but then as it is modified to be a two-seater the whole issue of what the plane actually is become very problematic."
Returned to California, but never flown. When Santa Monica Museum of Flight closed, this aircraft was sold.
Re-Restoration
Purchased by Paul Allen / Flying Heritage Collection. This Zero was moved to The Fighter Rebuilders at Chino, CA for further restoration, that equaled or exceeded the price of the Russian restoration. Under re-restoration from 2003 to present, to bring the Zero to airworthy status.
References
Air Classics, Volume 27, No 8 (August 1991) "Zero Starts Major Restoration Program" by Michael O'Leary. Pages 34-40
Warbirds International, Vol 14, No 8, November 1995. "Zero Exclusive! Flight Magic lets us take a look at its newly restored Mitsubishi A6M2 Zero by Michael O'Leary. Pages 8-11.
Thanks to Edward Maloney, Steve Hinton, Bruce Fenstermaker, Jim Long for additional information.
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