WGS Burma/Malaya - 1/200 AIM Nakajima Ki-27b 'Nate', JAAF

**Carl_Brisgamer** · 01-03-2013 05:48

My first WGS project for 2013 is a flight of three Nakajima Ki-27b 'Nate' fighters of the 3rd Chutai, 4th Sentai Japanese Army Air Force (JAAF). The Ki-27 was an extremely manouverable aircraft that entered service with the JAAF in 1937, ruling the skies over China until confronted with the more powerful later model Soviet Polikarpov I-16's in 1939. The Ki-27 was still in front line service at the start of the Pacific War in December 1941, seeing combat in Burma, Malaya, Dutch East Indies and the Phillippines. Flown by experienced combat pilots, the Ki-27 codenamed 'Nate' by the Allies, was initially an effective fighter but soon found itself outclassed by more advanced Allied aircraft. By early 1942 the 'Nate' was withdrawn from the front for training units and defence of the Japanese home islands. Like many older types the Ki-27 was also later used by 'kamikaze' units.

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These Ki-27b's have unit applied brown/green camouflage over the standard grey factory finish, the result of attacks on their airfields by Allied aircraft, something that was not regularly encountered in the early years of the China campaign. The decals were supplied by AIM, except the home made yellow and white fuselage stripes representing the Chutai commander's aircraft.

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The Nakajima Ki-27b 'Nate' was a manouverable aircraft with a top speed of 470kmh ('J' deck), ceiling of 12,250m (top altitude 13), and a fantastic climb rate of 15 m/s (climb 3). It was armed with two synchronised 7.7mm machine guns (firepower short/long A/A). It was a lightly built aircraft with no pilot armour or self sealing tanks, similar to the first generation of I-16's (damage 14).

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Back to work on the next project - a flight of Nakajima Ki-43 'Oscars' - sneak peak below:

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**Baldrick62** · 01-03-2013 08:36

CB,
Nice work as always; the Sentai tail marking is very effective. I'm doing up some 1/144 Nates at the moment for SE Asia and debating on the decor. I assume the 4th Sentai was operating in China?
BofB

**Carl_Brisgamer** · 01-03-2013 08:49

Thanks Baldrick,

Yes, the 4th Sentai was formed in 1938 and fought in China and Burma until 1942. The unit tail marking was inspired by their airbase of origin at Tachiarai which means 'washing a sword in a stream' and was symbolised by a sword handguard positioned over a stylised stream.

The 4th Sentai was later withdrawn to the Japanese Home Islands and re-equipped with the Kawasaki Ki-45 Toryu heavy fighter ('Nick') for anti-bomber operations. The decals came with the miniatures from AIM. I was going to create some of my own for another unit serving in Malaya, but these looked so darn good I just had to use them.

If you like these I have decided sleep is for the weak and am going hammer and tongs on three Nakajima Ki-43 Hayabusas, they are looking really good.

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Cheers,

Carl.

**Baldrick62** · 01-03-2013 09:46

Originally Posted by Carl_Brisgamer

If you like these I have decided sleep is for the weak and am going hammer and tongs on three Nakajima Ki-43 Hayabusas, they are looking really good.

Mate, you deserve an OSCAR!

Right, I'll get me coat then.

**Nightbomber** · 01-03-2013 10:15

Raise your glasses chaps! A new Clipper is born! What a Christmas, what a Christmas!

and rock&roll

GREAT PLANES!

**Thomatchef** · 01-03-2013 10:38

Again some good looking planes. Clippers elves must have multiplied and migrated...

**Doug** · 01-03-2013 13:14

Nice work Carl

**ptownhiker** · 01-03-2013 14:15

Those are good looking planes. Well done on your productivity!

**Carl_Brisgamer** · 01-03-2013 20:57

Originally Posted by Nightbomber

Raise your glasses chaps! A new Clipper is born! What a Christmas, what a Christmas!

and rock&roll

GREAT PLANES!

Thanks Andrzej, but I think Clipper is in a league of his own. With Cancon only three weeks away I have set myself a goal of six Japanese bombers and eight more Australian fighters to finish over the next week.

I have just started four weeks leave from my job as a police officer, so with no drug dealers, burglars, car thieves or other criminals to chase down I have to make the most of it!