Nakajima Ki-43 "Oscar" Part 3
Topics:
Drop tank color on Ki-43/JAF planes
Ki-43 Fabric Control Surface Color
Oscars Over Burma: Unknown Sentai *PIC*  
Ki-43 III  
Champlin's Ki-43s *PIC* (New)
The "Blue" Cape Gloucester Oscars! *PIC* (New)
Light "Blue" Cscars! (New)
Many variations (New)
Natural Metal Ki-43I (New)
Ki-43-I Engine Colors? (New)
Nichimo Oscar (New)
64th sentai hombu in 1942 question (New)
Ki 43 info needed (New)
 
Drop tank color on Ki-43/JAF planes
 
Posted By: Jeff Cadenhead <jcaden3529@aol.com>
Date: Wednesday, 22 August 2001, at 7:17 p.m.
Wondering what color to paint the drop tanks on the Hasegawa Ki-43.And as far as that goes how about colors for other type JAF a/c? I've seen(and painted) a orange/yellow drop tank for the Ki-61. Is that correct?
 
Re: Drop tank color on Ki-43/JAF planes
Posted By: T. Miyamae <t_miyama@muh.biglobe.ne.jp>
Date: Friday, 24 August 2001, at 10:09 a.m.
 
In Response To: Drop tank color on Ki-43/JAF planes (Jeff Cadenhead)
 
I think over three-variant colors used Army Air Force"s drop tanks
They are light-grey-green, mandarin, and blue.
The light grey-green tanks is standard.
The mandarin-color tanks used in some Japanese base (not oversee force) to easy-search for recycling when dropped.
The blue tanks are omitted painting surface color. (blue is primer color).
 
Ki-43 Fabric Control Surface Color
 
Posted By: Pete Chalmers <pchalmers@carolina.rr.com>
Date: Sunday, 19 August 2001, at 6:27 a.m.
 
Looking thru a too-large reference library and kit collection, I find "some" references to the control surface color on the Ki-43 as being the "typical" light grey-green on NMF original-production aircraft.
 
This so-called "rule" seems to also be present on other NMF IJAAF aircraft kits/references, esp. the Ki-44 and Ki-49, as well as other IJAAF and IJNAF aircraft.
 
My problem: Examination of numerous photographs show these surfaces to be a lighter, whiter, and more "luminescent" shade than would be logical with the now known to be somewhat darker grey-green, and only consistant with aluminum dope - especially dope which has "chalked" or surface-oxidized, which it tends to do in a few weeks after application.
 
On a number of photos, the reflective nature of the control surfaces and the light/bright shade would almost certainly suggest aluminum dope, especially on the Ki-43 photos I have.
 
Knowing that aluminum dope has long been the standard for anti-UV protection of fabric surfaces, and was used pre-war by most if not all aircraft manufacturers, I wonder what actual proof of this grey-green thesis exists. I could certainly understand the elimination of aluminum powder for economy reasons during the war, and certainly its elimination on camo'd at the factory aircraft, but the photo evidence seems to argue pretty strongly for aluminum dope on NMF aircraft.
 
Can any one direct me to original or primary historical evidence either way ?
 
Re: Ki-43 Fabric Control Surface Color
 
Posted By: James F. Lansdale <LRAJIM@aol.com>
Date: Sunday, 19 August 2001, at 7:41 a.m.
 
In Response To: Ki-43 Fabric Control Surface Color (Pete Chalmers)
 
With the exception of the rudder fabric from Mitsubishi constructed Zeros (of which fabric samples fall into the FS-16350/24201 color range), the majority of fabric samples from Japanese military aircraft I have examined fall into two categories:
 
1) Doped with an aluminum paint.
 
or
 
2. Doped with a blue-gray shade which generally falls into the FS-x6307 to FS-x6314 range.
 
A Kate and a Val fabric sample examined both had a shade close to FS-x6160 applied (N.B. The "Kate" sample might also be from a Val!). I have examined no fabric surfaces from an aircraft identified as a Nakajima Ki-43 Oscar.
 
In some cases, the aluminum doped fabric surfaces have been overpainted either in trainer yellow or one of the upper surface camouflage colors (i.e. the dark greens).
 
Perhaps someone else has seen the gray-green shade you speak of on original fabric surfaces, but I have not, other than on Mistsubishi constructed Zeros
Oscars Over Burma: Unknown Sentai *PIC*
 
Posted By: James F. Lansdale <LRAJIM@aol.com>
Date: Sunday, 10 March 2002, at 6:44 a.m.
 
Artist/historian James HOLLOWAY, well known for his superb American Civil War Ironclads and Japanese military aircraft projects, has analyzed a wartime Japanese newsreel. In the film appear several Nakajima Ki-43 Oscars presumably operating over Burma.
 
It is difficult, if at all possible, to analyze the tail markings for color in the b/w film, but James has given it a shot with his water-color scrap views and notes seen below.
 
It is possible that these Oscars could have been in the livery of No.1, No.25 (early), or even No.33 (early) Hiko Sentai. None of the published views from these three hiko sentai seem to properly correlate these unit/s with James' renderings.
 
Many early Japanese AAF units used stripes more for command or position information than as a specific unit I.D.
 
James would like to have any and all feed-back from the members on this MB in order to help him identify this Oscar unit/s. Thank you for any help you may be able to give him.
 
Art: (c) 2002 James Holloway
 
Editors note: Picture at http://www.j-aircraft.com/jiml/ki-43_unknsentai_hollowayart.jpg
 
Re: Oscars Over Burma: Unknown Sentai
 
Posted By: Nick Millman
Date: Sunday, 10 March 2002, at 12:13 p.m.
 
In Response To: Oscars Over Burma: Unknown Sentai *PIC* (James F. Lansdale)
 
Jim, these are fascinating!
 
A few questions:
 
Do we have any idea of the period in which the film is shot? Is it definitely in Burma? (For example newsreel footage of Ki-44's of the 87th in Burma includes some shots of Ki-43's of the 48th operating in China!
 
Are the Oscars model Ki-43 I or Ki-43 II?
 
Is the sparse green mottle or paint remnants representative of the aircraft in the film?
 
the tail markings are almost certainly Unit ID rather than command markings and the top three correlate most closely to the style of marking used on 24th Sentai Nates. If so, are we looking at a hitherto unrecorded marking for the 13th Sentai? The bottom two show similarities to 1st Sentai.
 
Re: Oscars Over Burma: Unknown Sentai
 
Posted By: James Holloway
Date: Sunday, 10 March 2002, at 4:28 p.m.
 
In Response To: Re: Oscars Over Burma: Unknown Sentai (Nick Millman)
 
To all: first, thanks to James Lansdale for posting the sketch for me, computors and I dont get along. The sketch represents variations of only two aircraft, above and below the line. From what I could get of the film both aircraft are from the same unit,or at least based together, it seems that they have one, two. and maybe three white bands on either a red rudder or green. A brief flying shot seems to show some A/C with a single white band on rudder. The bottom A/C in the sketch looks as tho a white rudder band was painted over. The white could possibly be aluminum. The white bands are much wider than the ones seen in photos of 1st Sentai Oscars. They are much closer to 10 Hiko Sentai Nates. Top a/c has a red(blue?) combat stripe and looks like a red band in between the white, it's tone matches both the combat stripe and hinomaru, and is noticably darker than the camoflauge. It doesn't match fron tail to rudder, the rudder could be a replacement, Both a/c are heavily weathered from an irregulary applied sqiggle, some a/c appearing more solid than others. They are Oscar 2's, and I think they are shot either over China or Japan, not Burma. The announcer mentions the 64th Sentai ,but I think he may have been referring to it being a well known Hayabusa unit rather than saying these a/c belong to the 64th. At this time I'm leaning towards one to two bands on a red or green rudder, but I am completely open to other opinions.
 
Re: Oscars Over Burma: Unknown Sentai
 
Posted By: Robert Anderson <av98us@msn.com>
Date: Sunday, 10 March 2002, at 10:03 p.m.
 
In Response To: Re: Oscars Over Burma: Unknown Sentai (James Holloway)
 
I haven't seen the film, but these could be the markings of post-war Nationalist Chinese (blue and white bands) or Indonesian (red/white bands) Oscars as these planes flew for both. You would see other national markings, though. Could they also be puppet air force or home training units? Just brainstorming...
 
Re: Oscars Over Burma: Unknown Sentai
 
Posted By: Nick Millman
Date: Saturday, 16 March 2002, at 1:44 a.m.
 
In Response To: Re: Oscars Over Burma: Unknown Sentai (James Holloway)
 
To take the suggested units one by one.
 
I agree the stripes on the rudder do not match the style and position of those used by the 1st Sentai. In addition there is no evidence that the 1st Sentai used a horizontal band on the fin ahead of the rudder.
 
The 10th Independent Chutai became the 25th Sentai , with only two Chutai, on 25th October 1942. At that time the unit marking was a horizontal band, in Chutai colour, (white for the 1st, red for the 2nd) on the fin ahead of the rudder and on some aircraft the white edging was continued across the rudder, giving the appearance of two thin horizontal stripes. These markings are associated with the Ki-43 I and early Ki-43 II Ko and do not appear exactly similar to those illustrated here. Soon after conversion to the Ki-43 II the marking was changed to the familiar diagonal fin stripe in Chutai colours, (with yellow for the 3rd Chutai formed in the summer of 1943), to a design drawn by Corporal Kennosuke Seshimo, together with a large white two-digit number applied to the rudder.
 
The early 33rd Sentai marking in China was a broad horizontal band across both fin and rudder, in the Chutai colour and edged in white. The marking was changed after the Sentai CO, Maj Akira Watanabe, was killed on 24 August 1943 during an air battle over Hankow, China. When the unit moved to Burma in early October 1943 its Oscars were already displaying the familiar "double-three" symbol.
 
64th Sentai displayed their famous diagonal arrow symbol throughout the war on all versions of the Oscar and are most unlikely to have used any other marking.
 
However, the Kumagaya Army Flying School used a horizontal fin stripe, like that illustrated, to designate flight leaders, with the school symbol, a black and white disc design, on the rudder. Perhaps these were Kumagaya aircraft, either re-assigned or with the school symbol censored?
 
Worth mentioning that white bands and stripes on natural metal aircraft often appear grey in monochrome photography. For further interest take a look at the Oscar in the bottom photograph on page 55 of FAOW 13 (latest series), and reproduced elsewhere. White horizontal rudder stripe, overpainted rudder markings and the "white" border on the fuselage hinomaru appears grey.
 
Ki-43 III
 
Posted By: John D. Watson <SokMonkey@CTConnect.com>
Date: Saturday, 16 March 2002, at 7:12 p.m.
 
Does anyone know where one can get a Hasegawa Ki 43 III, as opposed to the Ki 43 II? The former version has the multiple exhaust stacks on the cowling side, as opposed to the single stack on the latter. My modifications to a II kit are not quite up to scratch, as I would like to build a version belonging to the French AF in Indochina. Any help greatly appreciated! :)
 
Re: What scale?
 
Posted By: John Watson <SokMonkey@CTConnect.com>
Date: Sunday, 17 March 2002, at 6:14 a.m.
 
In Response To: What scale? *No Text* (Ryan Boerema)
 
Regarding the Ki 43 III I am seeking, it is a 1/72 scale I am looking for. Thanks! :)
 
Re: What scale?
 
Posted By: Bill Sanborn <bsanborn@psemc.com>
Date: Sunday, 17 March 2002, at 2:44 p.m.
 
In Response To: Re: What scale? (John Watson)
 
The kit you seek is actually a Gartex KI-43 III. They were loosly associated with Hasegawa. The kit is out of production, but the last time (Oct '01) I was in Legends hobby shop there was one on the shelf. Legends is located in LA. I've included a link to their web site. The kit is not listed on the site, but you may want to give them a call just to be sure.
 
You may also want to look on Ebay. I've seen them show up there occasionally.
 
Wasn't there a Fujimi Ki-43 III before?
 
Posted By: Deniz Karacay <denizkaracay@yahoo.com>
Date: Friday, 22 March 2002, at 9:44 a.m.
 
In Response To: Ki-43 III (John D. Watson)
 
Rather new tool with its Ki43 I series. I kinda remember seeing it on Internet though I might be mistaken.( In 1/72 scale)
 
Re: Ki-43 III
 
Posted By: martin <SkipperGrumby@aol.com>
Date: Tuesday, 19 March 2002, at 3:33 a.m.
 
In Response To: Ki-43 III (John D. Watson)
 
Speaking of late model Oscars, did they in fact of "cannon" in the wings? Yasuo Kuwahara's says in his autobiography that his Haybusa did..... I thought maybe this was a translation error, as I am far from an expert, but I thought the Oscars were never fitted with cannon.
 
Anyone know the skinny?
 
Re: Ki-43 III
 
Posted By: Tony Williams <Tony.Williams@quarry.nildram.co.uk>
Date: Tuesday, 19 March 2002, at 6:53 a.m.
 
In Response To: Re: Ki-43 III (martin)
 
I think you're right (although it's difficult to be certain). The molst reliable records I have state that the largest gun carried by this plane was the 12.7mm Ho-103 (and that was in the cowling). However, IIRC the IJA referred to the Ho-103 as a cannon.
 
Tony Williams
Author: "Rapid Fire: The development of automatic cannon, heavy machine
guns and their ammunition for armies, navies and air forces"
Details on my military gun and ammunition website:
http://www.quarry.nildram.co.uk
Military gun and ammunition discussion forum:
http://forums.delphiforums.com/autogun/messages/
 
MG terms
 
Posted By: Ted Bradstreet <tbstreet@mint.net>
Date: Wednesday, 20 March 2002, at 5:27 p.m.
 
In Response To: Re: Ki-43 III (Tony Williams)
 
Tony's correct about the nomenclature. The IJA referred to automatic guns from 12.7 mm up as "kikanho," machine cannon, which can cause some confusion if so translated without the caliber or gun name being given. Rifle-caliber guns were "kikanjuu," machine gun. The IJN considered all MGs small arms and used the abbreviated two-kanji term "kijuu" for all.
 
"Kijuu" and "Kikanho"
 
Posted By: UCHIDA, Katsuhiro <2000GT-B@mui.biglobe.ne.jp>
Date: Tuesday, 19 March 2002, at 7:09 a.m.
 
In Response To: Re: Ki-43 III (Tony Williams)
 
As you mentioned, IJA called aircraft machine guns and cannons as "Kikanho" (cannon). On the other hand, IJN called both aircraft machine guns and cannons as "Kijuu" (machine gun).
 
Re: "Kijuu" and "Kikanho"
 
Posted By: Tony Williams <Tony.Williams@quarry.nildram.co.uk>
Date: Tuesday, 19 March 2002, at 1:29 p.m.
 
In Response To: "Kijuu" and "Kikanho" (UCHIDA, Katsuhiro)
 
Thank you. It was not unusual for navies to refer to guns as "machine guns" when the same countries' air forces called them "cannon". To air forces at that time, anything bigger than 8mm calibre was a big gun. To navies, anything smaller than 76mm was small...
 
Re: "Kijuu" and "Kikanho"
 
Posted By: Martin <SkipperGrumby@aol.com>
Date: Wednesday, 20 March 2002, at 5:20 a.m.
 
In Response To: Re: "Kijuu" and "Kikanho" (Tony Williams)
 
Thanks Nick, Tony and Katsuhiro! Just as I thought. I'm no expert but I was reasonably sure the Oscar never had wing guns, let alone what we call cannon. Still, if you haven't read Kuwahara's book "Kamikaze", I highly recommed it. This kid was a front line combat pilot for the last oh, lets say five months of the war or so (I forget exactly) and I say "Kid" because he was STILL only 15 when the war ended. He was escorting JAAF Kamikaze flights to Okinawa from Hiro Air Base outside of Hiroshima. He had his own orders to go on a Kamikaze mission but the war ended first. He wathed his friend Tatsuno crash into a tanker flying a Navy Claude. (Don't know where they got it) Open cockpit and all.. Tatsuno was a teen too. Kuwahara ended the war with 3 Hellcats claimed over Okinawa waters, and one shared P-51 over Japan. His girlfriend, sadly, was lost at the A-bombing of Hiroshima. Mercy, you gotta hate it when things like that happen. Fascinating book. This kid could have been really something if he had a Zero and went through flight training in the late '30's instead of the mid '40's. The way he describes basic training is even worse that what Sakai describes in "Samurai!". The beatings with baseball bats resulting in broken bones, the starving etc etc. Suicides among the young men and children in basic training was very very common.
 
Re: Ki-43 III
 
Posted By: Nick Millman
Date: Wednesday, 20 March 2002, at 2:15 a.m.
 
In Response To: Re: Ki-43 III (martin)
 
I have not heard of any Hayabusa being fitted with cannon (or mg) in the wings - probably a translation error. Two prototype versions of the Ki-43 III Otsu were built. Intended as a specialised interceptor this Hayabusa was fitted with two Ho-5 20mm cannon firing through the cowling, necessitating distinctive large fairings in front of the windscreen. Built by Tachikawa, this aircraft was also re-engined with the Mitsubishi Ha-112.
 
Eduard were supposed to be producing a new 1/72 Ki-43 III this year but I understand the project may be on hold. Pity. The Gartex kit must be as rare as hen's teeth and probably expensive if you can find one! Anyone tried kit-bashing the standard Hasegawa Ki-43 II?
 
Re: Ki-43 III
 
Posted By: Mike Goodwin <Mike.Goodwin@iname.com>
Date: Wednesday, 20 March 2002, at 1:29 p.m.
 
In Response To: Re: Ki-43 III (Nick Millman)
 
Current thinking is that reports of a Mitsubishi Ha-112 in the Ki-43-III Otsu are in error. Looking at the cowling size, it was more probably a Nakajima Ha-115-II. Putting the Mitsubishi in would have been at least as difficult as putting a Kinsei (same engine) in the A6M8 Zero, and would have required quite a lot of airframe strengthening.
 
Re: Ki-43 III
 
Posted By: Deniz Karacay <denizkaracay@yahoo.com>
Date: Friday, 22 March 2002, at 9:43 a.m.
 
In Response To: Re: Ki-43 III (martin)
 
Unless there is some real structural redesign of the wing, (which was on its own right highly unlikely), I don't think a Ki43 with wing armament exist. The cutaway drawing I have shows no bay whatsoever for a MG or cannon
Champlin's Ki-43s *PIC*
 
Posted By: Sampon <Tatsinoue@aol.com>
Date: Sunday, 18 August 2002, at 11:29 a.m.
 
In 1996, I went to Mesa, AZ to see N1K2-J George at Champlin Fighter Museum. At the Museum's parking lot, I found relics of three or four Ki-43 Oscars. I am trying hard to recall my fading memory, and I believe that under the Do-Not-Touch sign board, there was an explanation that the Ki-43s are recovered from an Island of Shimushu, Kril Islands and are under restoration. An intensive battle was fought on Shimushu between Japan and Russia after announcement of Japan's surrender.
 
If there is anyone who knows what happened to the restoration project and whereabout of these Ki-43s, please let me know. I post a photo of one of these Ki-43s I took in December 1996. Some other photos I posted on my album page (in Japanese), which you can enlarge by clicking them.
 
Editors note: Picture at http://image3.photohighway.co.jp/se-bin/MyPhoto.dll?Vi?
 
Editors note: Link to http://www.photohighway.co.jp/AlbumPage.asp?key=906944&un=152008&m=2&s=0
 
Re: Champlin's Ki-43s
 
Posted By: Jim Broshot <jbroshot@fidnet.com>
Date: Sunday, 18 August 2002, at 4:37 p.m.
 
In Response To: Champlin's Ki-43s *PIC* (Sampon)
 
When I was in Oregon in May 2002, I managed to get to the Tillamook Naval Air Station Musuem. They had a display which claimed that one of these aircraft were to be placed on display there after the restoration was complete.
 
Re: Champlin's Ki-43s
 
Posted By: Sampon <Tatsinoue@aol.com>
Date: Sunday, 18 August 2002, at 5:44 p.m.
 
In Response To: Re: Champlin's Ki-43s (Jim Broshot)
 
Thanks Nick, for a pleasant comment! And to you Jim, for precious information!
 
I visited the Tillamook Air Museum's page at following URL.
http://www.tillamookair.com/aircraftlist.html
Ki-43 Oscar was indeed in the collection list! I wonder if the restoration is complete by now, or the plane still looks pretty much as relic. Does anyone know? Well, probably it's best to ask the museum.
 
Re: Champlin's Ki-43s
 
Posted By: Jim Broshot <jbroshot@fidnet.com>
Date: Sunday, 18 August 2002, at 6:46 p.m.
 
In Response To: Re: Champlin's Ki-43s (Sampon)
 
Alas, back home in Missouri and don't know when next I will get to Oregon.
 
FWIW Tillamook also has, among other aircraft, a Lockheed PV-2, a Martin Mauler and an A-24 (painted up as a SBD).
 
The "Blue" Cape Gloucester Oscars! *PIC*
 
Posted By: James F. Lansdale <LRAJIM@aol.com>
Date: Thursday, 15 August 2002, at 6:06 a.m.
 
Don THORPE used art work by Minoru AKIMOTO as the inspiration for his illustration on p.137, "JAAF Camouflage and Markings: WW II." Minoru AKIMOTO is the dean of Japanese experts on this subject and he based his art work on Japanese veterans' recollections. While the markings of the No.20 Hiko Sentai (on his art work below) may be subject to some revision, statements made to AKIMOTO-san regarding the blue being used as an Oscar color are not. Most, if not all these men AKIMOTO san interviewed are now gone!
 
Editors note: Picture at http://www.j-aircraft.com/jiml/ki-43_akimoto_blueoscar.jpg
 
While the AKIMOTO-san 1965 art may be controversial, contemporary wartime intelligence reports are less so. Lawrence J. HICKEY ("Warpath Across the Pacific") has a vast wealth of Allied intelligence documents which precisely describe the colors of Japanese aircraft. One of these documents,
 
Intelligence Summary No. 218, Headquarters, Allied Air Forces, SWPA 21 June, 1944, Section IV: "TECHNICAL INTELLIGENCE"
 
contains information regarding IJA aircraft camouflage and markings and states precisely the state of these aircraft found at Cape Gloucester, New Britain Island.
 
"13. The (Japanese) Army Air Service normally uses a lighter green paint (than the Naval Air Service) with the under surfaces remaining unpainted. Much effort has been expended in some instances, notably on LILY, NICK and Dinah, to fill any metal overlaps with putty to achieve a very smooth surface.
 
14. Most recent Army camouflage has been very light daubs of green over the naked skin or over light grey paint, giving a silver grey-green mottled effect, but the under surfaces remain unpainted.
 
15. Other than Type 100 2ER DINAH, which is normally painted grey, Japanese Army airplanes are predominately green. Exceptions have been the discovery of two TYPE 1 F OSCARs at Cape Gloucester which were painted BLUE (N.B. author's emphasis!) with unpainted under surfaces. Other exceptions have been a very few airplanes found to be painted brown."
 
Editors note: Picture at http://www.j-aircraft.com/jiml/ki-43_1f_capegloucester.jpg
 
A US Signal Corps photograph of one of the Cape Gloucester Oscars (above) appears to show a lighter finish. This is one of a series of photographs which were taken on Cape Gloucester Airfield after it was captured by US Marines on 26 December 1943. It is not possible to discriminate the color of the upper surfaces in this view, however, the tail markings clearly reveal that this Nakajima Ki-43 I Oscar was assigned to No. 1 Hiko Sentai.
 
Jeff ETHELL has published many color photographs of aircraft taken during WW II by veterans and there are rumors of a color film taken at Cape Gloucester by USMC combat photographers. Perhaps we will yet see the aircraft captured at Cape Gloucester in "living color" as well!(;>)
 
Larry HICKEY added the following comment to his contribution of information related to the "blue" Oscar research.
 
"Re: The two 'blue' Ki 43 Is found at Cape Gloucester. Three Type Is were found there; s/n 776, estimated to have been built in late 11/42 with date evaluated unservicable (U/S) as Sept. 1, 1943; s/n 804, built Dec. 1942, and estimated U/S Aug. 27, 1943; and s/n 808, built Dec. 1942, and estimated U/S May 30, 1943. If the intelligence document is correct, two of these have to be painted blue on the top surfaces!"
 
Credit: Material research by Lawrence J. Hickey and IRPC, Boulder, Colorado; Art (c) Minoru Akimoto, Aireview Magazine No.193, 6/65, p.109; Photo, USSC/NARA via LRA
 
Re: The "Blue" Cape Gloucester Oscars!
 
Posted By: Rob Graham - the ReiShikiSenGuy
Date: Friday, 16 August 2002, at 4:02 p.m.
 
In Response To: The "Blue" Cape Gloucester Oscars! *PIC* (James F. Lansdale)
 
Excellent presentation!
 
However, we must remember - as you point out - that photographs can't be always considered a good source for color. An old yellowed negative can give us a bluish tint to an aircraft when the negative is printed.
 
Light "Blue" Cscars!
 
Posted By: richard dunn <rdunn@rhsmith.umd.edu>
Date: Friday, 16 August 2002, at 5:25 a.m.
 
In Response To: The "Blue" Cape Gloucester Oscars! *PIC* (James F. Lansdale)
 
The actual crash info on these three a/c show each was painted a different color only one probably something like standard.
 
No. 776 "Light blue upper. Unpainted, lower."
 
No. 804 "Light green upper portion of fuselage, unpainted lower portion of fuselage. Top side wings light green, lower side unpinted."
 
No. 808 "Dark green, upper. Unpainted, lower.:
 
No. 776 had a red rudder and red elevators. No other unit or patriotic markings mentioned. Others had no markings that were reported (each has a "none" entered after "Tail:" and "Patriotic;" in the markings section).
 
As mentioned in my Ki 43-I armament article (I've suspected nobody has read it!) 776 and 804 had only 2x7.7mm and this was undoubtedly non-standard leading me to speculate these were special purpose a/c in use after their normal combat roles in regular units. No. 808 was so demolished its armament could not be determined. No. 776 was said to be in "fair shape". Possibly the a/c in the photo?
 
I believe there was also a blue Oscar found at Alexishafen but I have no detailed crash report on this just a brief mention in an intelligence summary.
 
Keep up the good work. Love to get to the bottom of this one.
 
Re: Light "Blue" Oscars! *PIC*
 
Posted By: James F. Lansdale <LRAJIM@aol.com>
Date: Friday, 16 August 2002, at 7:19 a.m.
 
In Response To: Light "Blue" Cscars! (richard dunn)
 
Thank you Rick for the follow-up on the colors of the Cape Gloucester Oscars.
 
I am hopeful a veteran's souvenir with paint or a color photo will turn-up one day.
 
Armed with your information I will return to NARA and look more thoroughly through the "JAM Tins" or "Tinnies" (JA Makers Plates and Markings cards with data plates and/or serial numbers cut from aircraft still attached). I am sure the Cape Gloucester Oscars, s/nos 776, 804, and 808, were gone over by some AATIU.
 
From your description, the Oscar in the photo below may well be s/n 776.
 
Again, thank you for your vital contributions.
 
Editors note: Picture at http://www.j-aircraft.com/jiml/ki-43_1f_capegloucester.jpg
 
Ki-43-I undersurface colour again!
 
Posted By: Andrew Johnson <ajo@ceh.ac.uk>
Date: Thursday, 8 August 2002, at 10:20 a.m.
 
Please could someone reassure me on the undersurface colour of Ki-43-I used by 64th Sentai during 1942? The Hasewgawa 64th Sentai Ki-43 they have as Grey-green, whilst they recommend nmf for their 1st Sentai marked version.
 
Sorry to be so dumb, I'm sure we've discussed this before!
 
Re: Ki-43-I undersurface colour again!
 
Posted By: Don Marsh <marsh44@fuse.net>
Date: Thursday, 8 August 2002, at 2:16 p.m.
 
In Response To: Ki-43-I undersurface colour again! (Andrew Johnson)
 
I'd opt for NMF underside.
 
Re: Ki-43-I undersurface colour again! *PIC*
 
Posted By: Hiroyuki Takeuchi
Date: Friday, 9 August 2002, at 9:42 p.m.
 
In Response To: Re: Ki-43-I undersurface colour again! (Don Marsh)
 
IMHO some had painted undersufaces and some had NMF undersurfaces. It is difficult to judge from photos, but some just seem like they are painted while others look NMF.
 
Editors note: Picture at http://homepage2.nifty.com/02366/mokei/research/64thsentaiki43.jpg
 
Re: Ki-43-I undersurface colour again!
 
Posted By: Andrew Johnson <andrew.johnson28@ntlworld.com>
Date: Sunday, 11 August 2002, at 1:41 p.m.
 
In Response To: Re: Ki-43-I undersurface colour again! *PIC* (Hiroyuki Takeuchi)
 
Thankyou for your pictures Hiroyuki! As for as there is a rule for the Ki-43-I I'm going for the 64th Sentai being unique with JAAF grey-green undersurface, and the others (1st and 50th Sentai) being nmf.
 
I hope no one comes up with any contradictory evidence for the 64th Sentai Ki-43 in 1942 as I've just painted mine!
 
Re: Ki-43-I undersurface colour again!
 
Posted By: jackson <j.fincher@attbi.com>
Date: Sunday, 11 August 2002, at 2:06 p.m.
 
In Response To: Re: Ki-43-I undersurface colour again! (Andrew Johnson)
 
I kneel at the fountain of knowlege again...I'm finally digging into my 1/32 Hasegawa Oscar. It's an earlier kit with Japanese instructions so the color call-outs need some clarification.
 
Can any of my esteemed panel of JAAF experts fill in the blanks for me?
1. Interior color and rear deck (under the canopy color)
2. What color should I paint my photo etch lap belts?
3. What color are the wheel wells and interior of the covers?
4. After seeing that fabulous NMF finish I'm just inspired!What color is appropriate for the anti-glare shield? My Aircam seem to favor a dark blue over the cowl and behind the rear deck.
 
5. What colors are appropriate for the fabric control surfaces for NMF A/C?
 
Re: Ki-43-I undersurface colour again!
 
Posted By: Ken Glass <ken.glass@eudoramail.com>
Date: Sunday, 11 August 2002, at 6:21 p.m.
 
In Response To: Re: Ki-43-I undersurface colour again! (jackson)
 
I am no expert but I try to keep up with the info that has come out on this website and elsewhere in the last few years. Some of the stuff below is from Mikish's various publications and the Asahi Journal. I can't cite chapter and verse where to find it if challenged to do so. Here are my suggestions to your itemized questions. Many of these were used on my 1/48th scale Nichimo Ki.43 I kit build.
 
#1a A dark blue-gray near FS 36118 for the decking under the canopy.
 
#1b A glossy transluscent green or blue on the cockpit side walls. Seen on New Zealand Ki.43 I restoration.
 
#1c A gray-green near FS 14255 for the equipment boxes and other add-on pieces in the cockpit. Mikish ref.
 
#1d black gun butts and faces of instrument panels.
 
#2 You can't beat the Eduard prepainted IJA/IJN seat belts. I am not sure if these have been done in 1/32nd scale yet. Even the stitching shows against the webbing on the 1/48th scale set I recently picked up.
 
#3 See #1b above for the wheel wells and covers.
 
#4 I used straight black on my Nichimo Ki.43 I. I have heard about the blue-black relics now in the hands of the collectors. I wonder if the paint appeared noticibly blue-black when freshly applied.
 
#5 Nakajima is said to have had a medium gray dope for fabric surfaces. Opinion varies as to whether the fabric surfaces were: left in this gray color, over painted in a silver dope or in the light gray-green. The best estimate I can give you for the gray dope color is FS 34226 or Munsell 5GY 5/1. Mitsubishi's variant of the light gray-green overall camo color has been cited as Munsell 7.8Y 5.5/2.5. Go to Wal*Mart's paint section with the 'ColorPlace' brand paint swatches and look for card number 627 and the color 'River Bank' number 96273 for a near match. The Munsell chip is just a tinge greener than the Wal*Mart paint chip. Asahi Journal sold some specially made up Munsell color chips matched to samples of the fabric gray dope color and the Mitsubishi variant of the overall gray-green color.
 
My Nichimo Ki.43 I was finished in a FS 14255 sidewalls interior instead of the #1b. And, as an after thought, I used Model Master buffing aluminum metalizer on the undersides of my 1st Sentai Ki.43 I with the orange-yellow rudder and elevators.
 
Many variations
 
Posted By: Nick Millman
Date: Saturday, 10 August 2002, at 12:14 a.m.
 
In Response To: Re: Ki-43-I undersurface colour again! *PIC* (Hiroyuki Takeuchi)
 
A fine deduction and well presented! According to my own sources 64th Sentai had some aircraft which were delivered in overall grey-green finish and (presumably) camouflaged at unit level.
 
Both Japanese and Allied primary sources make it apparent that there was considerable variation to be seen in the colours of early Hayabusas. This perfectly accords with the movements and adventures of units and aircraft. However, having said that, NMF does not always appear "shiny". Heavily oxidised and stained NMF may appear a pale flat grey or even close to a dirty white - and coincidentally both colour descriptions for the undersurfaces of Oscar feature in RAF combat reports of the period.
 
But let's not fall into the time trap of a "standard NMF undersurface for JAAF aircraft" and add yet another tidy but mythical one-liner to the dogma surrounding this subject! One of my profiles depicts a very different looking 64th Sentai Ki-43 - but my well-founded if radical speculation seems to have been censored! Some of the 64th's Hayabusa may even have had their bellies painted in a beautiful azure blue - courtesy of the RAF!
 
Re: Ki-43-I undersurface colour again!
 
Posted By: Don Marsh <marsh44@fuse.net>
Date: Friday, 9 August 2002, at 10:10 p.m.
 
In Response To: Re: Ki-43-I undersurface colour again! *PIC* (Hiroyuki Takeuchi)
 
I agree completely. I've always thought that, from the existing photos, some are painted and some NMF. I wondered after my posting if perhaps I shouldn't have mentioned this, but decided to keep it simple. While some appear to have painted lower surfaces, most are obviously NMF. Some appear to have been NMF overall and to have had topside painting added later in the field with the undersides left NMF. Also, since it was common practice for the JAAF to leave the bellies natural... I didn't go back to expand on my comment. Thank you for filling out the rest of the picture so eloquently.
 
Re: Ki-43-I undersurface colour again!
 
Posted By: James F. Lansdale <LRAJIM@aol.com>
Date: Saturday, 10 August 2002, at 5:19 a.m.
 
In Response To: Re: Ki-43-I undersurface colour again! *PIC* (Hiroyuki Takeuchi)
 
I agree that photographic analysis may be used to distinguish the difference between some NMF aircraft schemes from some of the lighter-painted finishes. I have not detected a pattern, but the majority of Oscars produced by Nakajima, in photographs, do appear NMF. Others, identified as having been produced by Tachikawa, appear to have been painted a light color on the lower surfaces.
 
A few years ago, I examined the wreckage from several Oscars outside the Champlin Fighter Museum in Arizona. I do not know the model of Ki-43 nor the manufacturer, however, an analysis of these airframes, did reveal the remains of paint which closely matched FS-36350.
 
These remains were pulled out of Russia (Kurile Is. ?) and sold for restoration! I have one or two small color samples, but, again, I haven't a clue as to any specific model of the Ki-43; serial numbers; nor manufacturer.
 
I would appreciate any information on these hulks provided by our members which might give us some more evidence with which to connect this color application with a manufacturer or serial number run.
 
Re: Ki-43-I undersurface colour again!
 
Posted By: Bill Sanborn <bsanborn@psemc.com>
Date: Sunday, 11 August 2002, at 8:01 p.m.
 
In Response To: Re: Ki-43-I undersurface colour again! (James F. Lansdale)
 
The planes are as of two years ago located at the Texas Airplane Factory out side of Fort Worth. I got to see them when I was at Nats in Dallas. If memory serves, they were Ki-43IIs. I did not see S/Ns for the planes, but this sound like a road trip for Rob or Greg.
 
Re: Camo Scheme for Ki-43-II's by Tachikawa? *PIC*
 
Posted By: James F. Lansdale <LRAJIM@aol.com>
Date: Monday, 12 August 2002, at 7:07 a.m.
 
In Response To: Re: Ki-43-I undersurface colour again! (Bill Sanborn)
 
These hulks may be Tachikawa-constructed versions (at least, if they are Ki-43 II's). They would have had the Tachikawa camouflage scheme which, IIRC, was dark green upper over "gray" or "gray-green" lower surfaces (not NMF).
 
See below for a scan of a Tachikawa constructed Ki-43 II s/n 7475.
 
Editors note: Picture at http://www.j-aircraft.com/jiml/ki-43_7475.jpg
 
Re: Looks like a Ki-43 III Ko to me!!!
 
Posted By: James F. Lansdale <LRAJIM@aol.com>
Date: Tuesday, 13 August 2002, at 5:51 a.m.
 
In Response To: Looks like a Ki-43 III Ko to me!!! *No Text* (Nick Millman)
 
Thou art correct! (:>)
 
Am I correct that this particular bird was built by Tachikawa?
 
Jim LONG, can you check s/n 7475 for manufacturer please?
 
Re: Looks like a Ki-43 III Ko to me!!!
 
Posted By: Jim Long <jimilong@msn.com>
Date: Tuesday, 13 August 2002, at 10:12 p.m.
 
In Response To: Re: Looks like a Ki-43 III Ko to me!!! (James F. Lansdale)
 
The serial number 7475 can't be used alone to identify a manufacturer. The range of serial numbers for Nakajima-built Ki-43-IIs went up to 7487 from 5001, and the range of numbers for Tachikawa-built Ki-43-IIIs went up to 8727 from 7001. Therefore there was a Ki-43 by each maker with that same serial number: 7475. So some other identification characteristic must be used. I believe that in this case the feature would be the individual rocket-type exhaust stacks on the engine. That would suggest that 7475 was a Ki-43-III built by Tachikawa.
 
Re: Looks like a Ki-43 III Ko to me!!!
 
Posted By: Nick Millman
Date: Tuesday, 13 August 2002, at 3:35 p.m.
 
In Response To: Re: Looks like a Ki-43 III Ko to me!!! (James F. Lansdale)
 
Tachikawa built 1,727 Ki-43 III by all accounts (serials 7001-8727) - more than I realised or would have believed!
 
To follow the earlier thread about the relics, 54th Sentai are reported to have used only Ki-43 II (but who knows?) - but some of their examples had an interesting "veined" camouflage with well-defined blotches like the Ki-45. There are strong suggestions, and some compelling evidence, that Oscar sometimes dressed for battle in green mottle over a grey-green (hairyokushoku?) overall base coat as well as the more familiar green mottle over NMF. Perhaps it all depended on the exigencies of the supply and demand situation at the Field Depots - the "proper" finishing standard versus the expedient, "get them to the front quickly" timescale driven by the ebb and flow of war.
 
Re: Looks like a Ki-43 III Ko to me!!!
 
Posted By: Hiroyuki Takeuchi
Date: Tuesday, 13 August 2002, at 9:36 a.m.
 
In Response To: Re: Looks like a Ki-43 III Ko to me!!! (James F. Lansdale)
 
Ki43III production was undertaken by Tachikawa to let Nakajima concentrate on Ki84 production. S/n 7001 and beyond are all Tachikawa made.
 
Re: Looks like a Ki-43 III Ko to me!!!
 
Posted By: Ryan Boerema <ryann1k2j@aol.com>
Date: Tuesday, 13 August 2002, at 10:51 a.m.
 
In Response To: Re: Looks like a Ki-43 III Ko to me!!! (Hiroyuki Takeuchi)
 
Did Tachikawa do away then with the anti-glare panel, since the entire topside was painted? I don't think I've ever seen a -III with one.
 
Natural Metal Ki-43I
 
Posted By: Andy <Hahn-Dreieich@t-online.de>
Date: Tuesday, 30 July 2002, at 6:45 a.m.
 
I´m searching for Ki-43I in natural metal finish.
Most photographs show "1028" of a Training unit.
Does anybody has some hints if there are any
other references?
 
Re: Natural Metal Ki-43I
 
Posted By: William Knoth <baronred4@cs.com>
Date: Tuesday, 30 July 2002, at 8:51 p.m.
 
In Response To: Natural Metal Ki-43I (Andy)
 
There's one in koku-fan Illustrated No.79 has one and in No.80 there's one in manchuku makings
 
Re: Natural Metal Ki-43I
 
Posted By: Don Marsh <marsh44@fuse.net>
Date: Friday, 2 August 2002, at 4:32 p.m.
 
In Response To: Natural Metal Ki-43I (Andy)
 
The first dozen or so Ki-43 protoype/experimental a/c were natural. They were very similar in appearance to the production Model I. Also, many schools operated natural finished Oscar 1s & 2s: Akeno, Kumagaya, Tokorozawa and Hokota to name a few. Most of the school photos show Model 2s, but there are many Akeno photos of Model 1s. And it's a safe bet that most, if not nearly all, of the schools operated Model 1s at some time.
 
Re: Natural Metal Ki-43I
 
Posted By: Nick Millman
Date: Saturday, 3 August 2002, at 3:12 p.m.
 
In Response To: Natural Metal Ki-43I (Andy)
 
When the 59th Sentai converted to the Ki-43 I in 1941 their first aircraft were in natural metal. They are alleged to have worn a large lightning flash in the Chutai colour on each side of the fuselage, together with the white so-called "combat stripe". Although I am personally sceptical that the Ki-43 I ever had this flash (the Ki-27 certainly did) it makes for a very striking scheme indeed. Towards the end of 1941, before the outbreak of hostilities their natural metal Ki-43 I sported the later unit marking of a diagonal tail band and span-wise bands on the tailplanes in the Chutai colours - also very striking.
 
The first Ki-43 I aircraft of the 24th Sentai were also in natural metal finish.
 
The 64th Sentai briefly operated natural metal Ki-43 I before leaving Japan in preparation for the Pacific War.
 
Good references are Model Art 395 (if you can find it), FAOW 13 and 65. "Pod Lupa" 11 (ACE Publications) and AJ Press Monografie Lotnicze 48 are also worth looking out for. The British modelling magazine Scale Aviation Modeller ran a feature on the Ki-43 in their September 2000 issue. Twelve very beautiful colour profiles and a page crammed full of colourful tail markings by Richard J Caruana - but use with caution!
 
Re: Natural Metal Ki-43I *PIC*
 
Posted By: Hiroyuki Takeuchi
Date: Friday, 9 August 2002, at 9:57 p.m.
 
In Response To: Re: Natural Metal Ki-43I (Nick Millman)
 
According to MA395, the 59th actually wore the big flash when it first received the Ki43 in June 1941, but this was abolished in favor of a small flash on the tail in August (top profile page 105) which was changed again in October to the diagonal line on the fin when they went back to Tachikawa for airframe modifications. Assuming there are records or witnesses to back this up, the big flash were worn, for a short time.
 
Here's a nice shot of a NMF 64th sentai Ki43, also from Model Art 395.
 
Editors note: Picture at http://homepage2.nifty.com/02366/mokei/research/64thnmf.jpg
 
Re: Natural Metal Ki-43I
 
Posted By: Nick Millman
Date: Saturday, 10 August 2002, at 12:32 a.m.
 
In Response To: Re: Natural Metal Ki-43I *PIC* (Hiroyuki Takeuchi)
 
I'll keep an open mind but it would be nice to see some photographic evidence to support Model Arts chronology. I think the depiction of the small tail flash is a misinterpretation of the change of marking from early sources. If all these changes really occurred in the time frame suggested then the ground crew were kept busy on a messy, time-consuming but relatively unimportant task when there must be have been more pressing urgencies!
 
FAOW 65 has photographs of a camouflaged 59th Sentai Ki-43 I with the full panoply of tail stripes (page 75) and photographs of what appear to be NMF aircraft of the 64th Sentai (page 23).
 
The pic you posted is interesting as it shows a coloured edge to both the so-called "combat stripe" and 3rd Chutai orange-yellow tail arrow. But is this aircraft NMF or overall grey-green? Could this be one of the first 11 pre-production aircraft finished in overall hairyokushoku?
 
Re: Natural Metal Ki-43I
 
Posted By: Hiroyuki Takeuchi
Date: Saturday, 10 August 2002, at 7:51 a.m.
 
In Response To: Re: Natural Metal Ki-43I (Nick Millman)
 
Don't know about the gray. The rivets on the fin give the impression of NMF but the airframe does look rather uniform in tone.
 
Re: Natural Metal Ki-43I *PIC*
 
Posted By: Hiroyuki Takeuchi
Date: Friday, 9 August 2002, at 10:02 p.m.
 
In Response To: Re: Natural Metal Ki-43I *PIC* (Hiroyuki Takeuchi)
 
BTW I did a NMF 59th sentai ki43 years ago. The rudder marking is not backed by evidence but MA395 shows illustrations of the pilot's initial worn on the rudder on later aircrafts of the same unit.
 
Editors note: Picture at http://homepage2.nifty.com/02366/mokei/ncmki43.JPG
 
Beautiful! What kit/scale? *No Text*
 
Posted By: Nick Millman
Date: Saturday, 10 August 2002, at 12:17 a.m.
 
In Response To: Re: Natural Metal Ki-43I *PIC* (Hiroyuki Takeuchi)
 
Re: Beautiful! What kit/scale?
 
Posted By: Hiroyuki Takeuchi
Date: Saturday, 10 August 2002, at 7:48 a.m.
 
In Response To: Beautiful! What kit/scale? *No Text* (Nick Millman)
 
Thanks it's the 1/48 Nichimo kit.
 
And it makes sense about all the marking changes being irrational, but we all know how bureaucracy (like peacetime military) can be pretty crazy so I won't rule it out on terms of whether or not it sounds rational.
 
I too, would wish to have photographic evidence but while photographic evidence will prove it existed, the lack of it would not disprove it either.
 
As a modeller, I am inclined to build models in "unproven" markings since even it it is later proven to be wrong, it is ot the end of the world; it's just a plastic model. I'd make reservations about non first hand information if I was writing historical articles.
 
Ki-43-I Engine Colors?
 
Posted By: Rob Asbury <easbury@sc.rr.com>
Date: Monday, 29 July 2002, at 6:45 p.m.
 
I'm working on the engine of the new Hasegawa early Oscar and am stumped over the color of the crankcase and pushrods. The Hasegawa instructions say silver for both. The Aero Detail pictures of a restored engine show a neutral gray crankcase with black pushrods. I'm inclined to believe the latter. Anyone know for sure?
 
Re: Ki-43-I Engine Colors?
 
Posted By: Mike Goodwin <Mike.Goodwin@bigfoot.com>
Date: Tuesday, 30 July 2002, at 2:07 a.m.
 
In Response To: Ki-43-I Engine Colors? (Rob Asbury)
 
Most Nakajima engine factory photos show shiny black pushrods with either bare metal or gloss neutral grey crankcases. The grey might be Navy-specific, but it is difficult to differentiate in b/w photos.
 
Nichimo Oscar
 
Posted By: Jeff <chipdog@fuse.net>
Date: Saturday, 20 July 2002, at 5:31 p.m.
 
Having recently obtained this, is there an "easy" way to fix the cockpit? The floor sits way too low and the seats look slightly oversized. Was ther ever an update made for this kit? Over than that the kit appears ok.
 
Re: Nichimo Oscar
 
Posted By: jackson <FincherI@aol.com>
Date: Saturday, 20 July 2002, at 6:55 p.m.
 
In Response To: Nichimo Oscar (Jeff)
 
Love the kit, had the same problems with the ccockpit. I used the kit seat but trimmed the bottom of the bulkheads to get the cockpit to sit where it looked right. I'm not aware of any resin cockpit for the kit but I don't know of any that would have the amount of detail that I thought was amazing for a kit of the era,
 
Re: Nichimo Oscar
 
Posted By: John MacGregor <JohnMacG6@hotmail.com>
Date: Sunday, 21 July 2002, at 7:55 a.m.
 
In Response To: Nichimo Oscar (Jeff)
 
Jeff, another point to watch - in fact about the ONLY assembly problem in the kit - is that the air intake on the bottom of the cowling is a rather poor fit. It needs some subtle sanding and trimming to fit properly.
Otherwise it's a pretty good kit - especially when you consider its' age!
 
64th sentai hombu in 1942 question
 
Posted By: Andrew Johnson <andrew.johnson28@ntlworld.com>
Date: Thursday, 18 July 2002, at 1:27 p.m.
 
Can anyone helped with the following questions?
 
The new Hasegawa Ki-43 I has a white arrow with blue edging as the colour for the Sentai hombu (headquarters flight). The Hikoki book by Peter Scott on JAAF markings has the Sentai hombu as blue with white markings. Which is correct for early 1942?
 
If I wanted to depict another Sentai hombu aircraft other than Tateo Kato could I do this simply using the Sentai hombu arrow and white theatre stripe around the rear fuselage?
 
Re: 64th sentai hombu in 1942 question
 
Posted By: Nick Millman
Date: Sunday, 21 July 2002, at 3:05 a.m.
 
In Response To: 64th sentai hombu in 1942 question (Andrew Johnson)
 
The Hikoki book is not correct. Sentai Commander Kato's Hayabusa, no.318, had a white arrow thinly edged with cobalt blue and a horizontal white fuselage command band to distinguish him from the Chutai commanders, who used a diagonal command band. This is confirmed by photographic evidence. The position and style of the white wing bands are less clear.
 
Blue was the colour usually adopted for the Sentai Hombu markings. However it was felt that colour did not provide sufficient identification against the dark green uppersurfaces paint of the Hayabusa and the 1st Chutai white was adopted instead. In the 1st Chutai the white arrow was thinly edged in red but later a plain white arrow was used.
 
As far as I know no other Sentai Hombu aircraft have been identified as such. I may be able to post more information about this once I have dug out and reviewed my notes, which include letters from former 64th Sentai personnel.
 
Some of the early Hayabusa issued to this unit were overall grey-green (hairyokushoku) and had dark green paint applied to their uppersurfaces only.
 
Re: 64th sentai hombu in 1942 question
 
Posted By: Andrew Johnson <andrew.johnson28@ntlworld.com>
Date: Tuesday, 23 July 2002, at 1:32 p.m.
 
In Response To: Re: 64th sentai hombu in 1942 question (Nick Millman)
 
Thanks for your response, I don't know your e-mail!
 
I know the Luftwaffe had a Stabschwarm with an adjutant, technical officer etc, was a Sentai Hombu basically the same, ie about 4 aircraft?
 
Re: 64th sentai hombu in 1942 question
 
Posted By: Nick Millman
Date: Tuesday, 23 July 2002, at 2:12 p.m.
 
In Response To: Re: 64th sentai hombu in 1942 question (Andrew Johnson)
 
yes, but it was a looser arrangement in the JAAF and sometimes the Sentai commander flew with Chutai wingmen.
 
I still haven't dug out my notes but I recall I do have something about this as it relates to the 64th Sentai. I'm pretty sure no other Sentai Hombu aircraft have been identified but I have something recorded about Kato's wingmen.
 
Ki 43 info needed
 
Posted By: Joe Brown <bulmer69@shaw.ca>
Date: Wednesday, 3 July 2002, at 1:32 a.m.
 
I just acquired the Nichimo 1/48 Ki 43-1 kit. I'm looking for info on the tiger stripe scheme on the decal sheet. Its in japanese and only shows the profile. Are there any plan views of this scheme? Whose air force insignia is a white elephant on a red rectangle
 
Re: Ki 43 info needed
 
Posted By: Hiroyuki Takeuchi
Date: Wednesday, 3 July 2002, at 4:47 a.m.
 
In Response To: Ki 43 info needed (Joe Brown)
 
The tiger stripe scheme is, like George states, is for the Thai AF. However, the Thai AF did not fly the Ki-43I. They flew the Ki43-II. So save the elephant decals for a "II" kit.
Return to Army Message Board