Aichi B7A "Grace"

 

"Grace" torpedo color(s)?

 

Posted By: Mike Braun <mailto:uhumichael@aol.com?subject="Grace" torpedo color(s)?>

Date: Thursday, 29 June 2000, at 10:31 p.m.

 

Hi Guys,

Iso far have gotten several different answers to this question. What is the correct color for my B7A2's torpedo?

TIA,

Mike 'm sure this question has been answered on this site before but I'm a newbie to Japanese subjects and

 

Re: "Grace" torpedo color(s)?

 

Posted By: Hiroyuki Takeuchi

Date: Thursday, 29 June 2000, at 11:26 p.m.

 

In Response To: "Grace" torpedo color(s)? (Mike Braun)

 

The standard color is silver body with

a) live warhead = black

b) training warheads = red

 

B7A1 Questions

Posted By: Phil <mailto:Phil_Graf@baylor.edu?subject=B7A1 Questions>
Date: Friday, 6 October 2000, at 8:48 p.m.

 

I have the Fujimi kit, and was wondering if any of the 9 prototype B7A1s were ever used in combat. Also, what should the interior color be?

 

Re: B7A1 Questions

Posted By: Tim Hortman <mailto:thortman@epix.net?subject=Re: B7A1 Questions>
Date: Sunday, 8 October 2000, at 12:28 p.m.

In Response To: B7A1 Questions (Phil)

 

Hey Phil,

Check out this link to my photos here on this site for the interior colors. Sorry, I can't help much with your other question.

Take care,
Tim

 

NASM Garber's B7A2

 

B7A1/B7A2 differences?

 

Posted By: Dan Salamone <mailto:heroncreek@qwest.net?subject=B7A1/B7A2 differences?>
Date: Wednesday, 6 June 2001, at 11:07 p.m.

 

Hello all,

Just looking through my Grace references and being they are all in Japanese text...:-)

What were the external (if any) differences between the B7A1 and B7A2? Also, were the aircraft with the black cowls the few prototype aircraft or was this also used on other early production aircraft?

Thanks in advance,

Dan

 

Re: B7A1/B7A2 differences?

 

Posted By: Jay Carrell <mailto:carrell2@livingston.net?subject=Re: B7A1/B7A2 differences?>
Date: Friday, 8 June 2001, at 11:49 a.m.

 

In Response To: B7A1/B7A2 differences? (Dan Salamone)

 

I also am at work and away from references.
I believe there are some minor differences in the cowling and exhausts because of the difference in the two versions engines. The Hasegawa kits have slighty different exhaust stubs for the -A1 and -A2. That is the only minor exterior difference that I could find(once again based primarily on the kit parts). Also, I think the early Graces cowlings were painted black in style of the Kates and Vals(where the black covers the cowl and sweeps back to the windscreen).

A side note, the Hasegawa B7A1 kit gives you all the parts to do either a B7A1 or B7A2 with either bombs or a torpedo.
Jay Carrell

 

Re: B7A1/B7A2 differences?

 

Posted By: Bill Sanborn <mailto:bsanborn@psemc.com?subject=Re: B7A1/B7A2 differences?>
Date: Thursday, 7 June 2001, at 8:57 a.m.

 

In Response To: B7A1/B7A2 differences? (Dan Salamone)

 

If I recall, there is a retractable tail wheel on the early version. I'm at work and don't have my references, so I cannot verify.

Bill

 

Re: B7A1/B7A2 differences?

 

Posted By: Mike Goodwin <mailto:Mike.Goodwin@iname.com?subject=Re: B7A1/B7A2 differences?>
Date: Thursday, 7 June 2001, at 2:18 p.m.

 

In Response To: Re: B7A1/B7A2 differences? (Bill Sanborn)

 

That seems to be correct! According to Francillon, just 9 B7A1s were built. I have a picture of one with tail marking "Ko-B7-7", so this was presumably the 7th built, and it has a retractable tailwheel. I have not found any pictures purportig to be of B7A1s in service, and all in service seem to have had the fixed tailwheel.

Cheers,

Mike

 

Re: B7A1/B7A2 differences?

 

Posted By: Hiroyuki Takeuchi
Date: Friday, 8 June 2001, at 2:06 a.m.

 

In Response To: Re: B7A1/B7A2 differences? (Mike Goodwin)

 

The B7A1 was overwieght and there were also structural problems in the wings. The wing internal structure was totally redesigned among other things, so there may be differences in panel arrangements (scribing time!).

I will see if I can find furhter references.

 

Re: B7A1/B7A2 differences?

 

Posted By: Mike Goodwin <mailto:Mike.Goodwin@iname.com?subject=Re: B7A1/B7A2 differences?>
Date: Thursday, 7 June 2001, at 8:49 a.m.

 

In Response To: B7A1/B7A2 differences? (Dan Salamone)

 

According to Francillon, the only differences were a slightly improved engine version, and replacement of the rear 7.92mm gun with a 13.0mm.

The same two engine models were used interchangeably in the Ki-84 I (Ha[45]11 and Ha[45]12) with no alteration in outward appearance.

Cheers,

Mike