Replica

via Bob Rocker 1999

Justin Taylan 2005

Roger Cain 2007

Restoration
One of three replica Zeros built for Santa Monica Museum of Flying in Russia between 1994-1997.

Manufactured with new materials and assigned the identity of A6M3 Zero 3868, and the markings and identity of A6M2 Zero Tail X-133. This Zero has folding wing tips of an Model 21 or Model 22 Zero. Although recovered with its original Sakae engine, it was restored with a Pratt & Whitney R-1830 engine.

The restoration was based on wreckage recovered from Babo Airfield by Bruce Fenstermaker. It is claimed that the restoration uses original parts from the wreckage from Babo, including the landing gear legs and stern post.

Jim Long adds:
"That [P&W] engine made the rebuilders do just about the same thing that the Mitsubishi company had to do when they came up with the A6M8. Notice how the top of the accessory cowling bulges up at the forward end and notice how large the engine cowling is. It all reminds me of the A6M8, but without jet exhaust stacks and without an external air scoop atop the engine cowling. The rebuilders managed to position the intake scoop under the cowling, which is something that Mitsubishi could have done as well on the A6M8, instead of bringing it outside."

Today
Owned by David Price, it first flew in September 1998. Assigned registration NX6582L.

In 2002, it went up for auction for over $1 million USD, when the Santa Monica Museum of Flying closed, but failed to sell.

Later, it was purchased by the CAF and is today based at CAF Camarillo.

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 Jim Long, James Lansdale, Ryan Toews, Bruce Fenstermaker and Alan Gaynor for additional information.

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