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Thread: Official Nakajima Ki-43 Hayabusa (OSCAR) Painting Thread

  1. #51

  2. #52

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    Very nice paintjobs, Dave. Now send them to action (I warn you, they will probably fall like autumn leaves, due to my experience, but they fill the PT gap very well!).
    <img src=http://www.wingsofwar.org/forums/image.php?type=sigpic&userid=2554&dateline=1409073309 border=0 alt= />
    "We do not stop playing when we get old, but we get old when we stop playing."

  3. #53

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    Can't believe I have not posted my Hayabusas here - http://www.wingsofwar.org/forums/sho...usa-Oscar-JAAF

    They are lovely looking aircraft.

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    And these guys have actually seen table action! - http://www.wingsofwar.org/forums/sho...los-vs-Falcons

  4. #54

  5. #55

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    Quote Originally Posted by Nightbomber View Post
    Very nice paintjobs, Dave. Now send them to action (I warn you, they will probably fall like autumn leaves, due to my experience, but they fill the PT gap very well!).
    I am sure it would be a great struggle and test of will between our men and machines with victory going to the most cunning and aggressive pilot.

  6. #56

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    Carl: Nice trio of Oscars

  7. #57

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    Nice!
    Run for your life - there are stupid people everywhere!

  8. #58

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    Lovely Oscars!
    I laugh in the face of danger - then I hide until it goes away!

  9. #59

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    Beautiful models, Dave and Carl!

  10. #60

  11. #61

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    My first of 4 Ki-43 Oscars. Aim.

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  12. #62

  13. #63

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    Two silver/camo Ki-43s. AIM. They will all get Aerodrome Store spinning props next weekend.

    All of these and the above Oscars are from the 1st Sentai. I have only found one ace from this unit, 2Lt. Masatoshi Masuzawa.

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    Last edited by Teaticket; 08-20-2017 at 13:16.

  14. #64

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    Nice pant job Peter. Guess I will see them in Oct.

  15. #65

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    Quote Originally Posted by BobP View Post
    Nice pant job Peter. Guess I will see them in Oct.
    Oh yes, these are for our next Rabaul fight at Fall In. How many do you have?

  16. #66

  17. #67

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    Quote Originally Posted by Blackronin View Post
    Gorgeous, Peter!
    REP!
    Thank you Sir. There are soooo many great Oscars here it was easy to be inspired. I liked your four, two green and two camo. Funny mine ended up the same.

    I have more on the way. 11th Sentai will be next.

  18. #68

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    Peter those are 4 nicely painted Oscars, which deserve an Oscar themselves. Wish I could REP you but out of ammo I'm afraid.
    See you on the Dark Side......

  19. #69

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    Quote Originally Posted by Skafloc View Post
    Peter those are 4 nicely painted Oscars, which deserve an Oscar themselves. Wish I could REP you but out of ammo I'm afraid.
    Thanks Neil. Funny how our REP guns jam as much as our machine guns!

  20. #70

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    Amazing work, Peter.

    Hopefully Ares is watching ..


    For once my REP gun is not jammed (unlike my OTT Spandaus)

  21. #71

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    Found this if it is of use:

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    KI-43 Hayabusa
    1-16, 1st Hikousentai:
    Making up the balance of the 12th Hikoudan along with the 11th Hikousentai, the 1st would follow their sister regiment to Vunakanau Rabaul, New Britain arriving January 9th, 1943 with 33 Ki-43-I. By the end of January the 1st Sentai would be moved East into the Solomons to be stationed at Ballale extending their reach as far East as Guadalcanal to help cover the withdrawls of Japanese forces there. By early February the Sentai would be stationed back in New Britain and ultimately both Lae and Wewak, New Guinea where they would fight until finally withdrawn out of the theatre in August, 1943. Any 1st Sentai aircraft seen in combat after their departure would of very likely been now a 13th Sentai aircraft.

    Sentai/Chuutai/Shoutai Emblem & Markings: The Sentai marking unlike many was simplistic and to the point. Highly visible and helpful in quick aircraft identification, the upper 3/4 of the rudder roughly was painted in chuutai colors of Cobalt Blue for the Command Flight (1-4), Red for 1st Chuutai (5-8), White 2nd Chuutai (9-12), Yellow 3rd Chuutai (13-16). They were further marked to differentiate the shoutai possibly, or perhaps the aircraft within a flight itself via contrasting stripes in either white or red upon the rudder (the unstriped rudder considered 4th). Though photographic evidence of aircraft once to New Britain often shows just a single stripe, the use of numerous stripes as in 1942 cannot be confirmed by the author except via a single photograph with a questionable date. It is also debatable that Command flight aircraft ever utilized the stripe system having no photographic evidence. Finally as to regiment markings, there are some indications that 11th Sentai aircraft may have been utilized by the 1st Sentai after the 11th's departure, or perhaps cannibalized for replacement tail sections as photographs hint at painted over rudders with the remnant of 11th lightning bolts still intact on the vertical stabilizer as demonstrated in telltails 5 & 14.

    Command Markings: As they had in 1942 the 1st Hikousentai still made use of "command stripes" and markings. Photographs indicate that not only were they utilized mid-fuselage ahead of the hinomaru, yet also upon the wings and possibly horizontal stabilizers. The extent or exact meaning of these command markings past recognition unknown to me, yet evidence can be found in photographs.

    Additional Aircraft Markings: Once to New Guinea the graphic fuselage chevrons that once adorned 1st Sentai aircraft were gone replaced by a hinomaru. In most cases fuselage hinomarus were bordered in white, yet some aircraft can be found where the white border 'seems' to be missing. In kind the hinomaru contrary to 1942 had been shifted farther forward. Additional markings can be found in the form of radial striping about the cowling, and other stripes yet their exact purpose is unknown to me.

    Spinner Marking: Lack of spinners shown in 1943 photographs makes it impossible to determine if they were painted past a primer unlike years previous. However there is one photograph with a questionable date showing what would be a fully painted yellow spinner upon a third chuutai aircraft.

    Camouflage: For the most part initially, aircraft were camouflaged in a fully covering uniform green upon its upper surfaces. Ultimately however, 1st Sentai aircraft can be found more sparsely painted to even bare metal. Both palm fron or a snake weave patterns along with fully covered areas (tail sections and wings) can be found, to even just small blotches though camouflage wear (chipping) cannot be ruled out.


    17-20, 11th Hikousentai:
    The first Japanese army fighter regiment to reach the South East Pacific theatre of operations was the 11th Sentai making up the bulk of the 12th Hikoudan. Arriving at Vunakanau airfield Rabaul, New Britain from Truk December 18th, 1942 with their 60 Ki-43-I, within a week would be making claims of fighters shot down over Buna, Papua, and would even lay claim to a destroyed B-17 by early January. Quickly however significant losses began to mount. Sent East to Buka Island upon the arrival of the 1st Hikousentai, they would conduct operations over the Solomons until early February when pulled back to Munda, New Georgia and ultimately New Britain. The balance of their time in theatre was spent fighting over New Guinea based out of both Wewak and Madang, until withdrawn back to Japan late June, 1943. Any 11th Sentai aircraft found in combat after that time would of most likely been 1st Sentai, ultimately any remaining aircraft taken over by the 13th Sentai.

    Sentai/Chuutai/Shoutai Emblem & Markings: Simple and instantly recognizable, the lightning bolt suggested by some to be two offset 1s or kana "ichi" to make a stylized "11" debatable. Found in chuutai colors of white for 1st (18), red for 2nd (19) and yellow for 3rd (20), it is unknown by this author if there was a specific color or style utilized by the command group. Further, it has been suggested in numerous profiles and artwork that senior officers may have utilized an outlined emblem (17), some even suggesting a dramatic 6-lightning bolt design utilized by the Sentai Hombu, yet I have been unable to find photographs of either so item 17 remains unconfirmed.

    Command Markings: The 11th Sentai did indeed utilize various command markings. Be they a single broad white stripe about the fuselage just behind the cockpit, to even one example showing three thin red stripes in the same location. However, photographs must be utilized for confirmation, and caution must be shown (see "Additional AIrcraft Markings").

    Additional Aircraft Markings: 11th Sentai aircraft can be found with a number of unique markings that are not unit specific. Unfortunately, we cannot be sure of what is an 11th determined mark, or what may simply be a remnant of previous units. To make up for aircraft numbers before departing for Truk and bulk up the total to 60, a number of 50th and 64th Sentai Ki-43-I were procurred. Though it is very likely that camouflage may have been touched up and regiment markings added over those existing, it is also very likely that the entire aircraft was not redecorated, so to that end some 50th and 64th specific marks as well as camouflage may have been left intact. That said if the case, then though a particular marking may no longer hold meaning such as a command or personal aircraft mark, it never the less would of now been a part of a 11th Sentai aircraft. So never the less its own.

    Spinner Marking: There is some indication that some 11th Sentai aircraft had painted spinners. Unfortunately regarding 'Additional Markings' above and from photographic evidence, it is doubtful that it was added in chuutai colors and was not a standard form of decoration.

    Camouflage: Camouflage due to the conditions explained in 'Additional Markings' would of very likely been rather varied. Be it the large mottle of green and brown/tan commonly thought of for 11th Sentai Ki-43 over Burma, to even perhaps 50th or 64th schemes. Camouflage determination must be made on a case by case basis with photographic evidence.


    21-24, 13th Hikousentai:
    December, 1942, 12 aircraft of the 5th Sentai (6 Ki-45-Kai, 6 Ki-46) were formed into an un-numbered Dokuritsu Hikou-chuutai (calling themselves Tokushu Kogekitai) arriving by carrier in Rabaul mid-February, 1943. Initially a heavy fighter (Ki-45 Kai) unit, the 13th Sentai arrived at Rabaul, New Britain May 11th, 1943 attached to the 6th Hikoushidan, absorbing the Tokushu Kogekitai. The unit spread out between Rabaul and Wewak (Boram), New Guinea, the attacks of mid-August by allied forces left them with only two Ki-45 remaining. To that end, taking up the Ki-43-I left behind by the 1st (and 11th) Hikousentai, they would continue the fight primarily as a Ki-43 unit for the remainder of the campaign. Though it is probable 24th and perhaps even 59th Sentai Ki-43-II were utilized by the 13th, ultimately by mid-November the Sentai had been withdrawn to Wakde, and would vacillate between Ki-45 and Ki-43-II as the Japanese were pressed out of the theatre.

    Sentai/Chuutai/Shoutai Emblem & Markings: As to Ki-43 utilized by the unit there has been significant debate as to the markings actually used. One would assume the emblem utilized on Ki-45 when reaching the theatre would of continued on, especially considering that later Ki-45 found in the Philippines did so. What we can speculate that while in the Wewak area unit markings upon Ki-43 would of remained as procured, yet once finally granted relief from the action and aquiring their own Ki-43-II for whatever the reason on those aircraft utilized a new and much different emblem. Clearly a 3 laid against a 1 forming a harpoon tip if you will, the 13th's marking seemed to resemble more that of the 47th's, yet considering the only two photographs I have seen and the sentai structure can make some rather sound speculations.

    The first being, the sentai emblem varied slightly in both shape and detail. From a very crisp and moderately narrow emblem with a shadow effect in white, to rather simply applied yet proportions somewhat flexible. From the size and structure of the Sentai, plus "supposed" earlier versions of this emblem (as presented in many publications before use of the marking known to be used on Ki-45) I assume there was a command flight and have represented it in the typical cobalt blue (21), the remaining chuutai based upon the same information and unit structure of 3 chuutai shown typically as white for 1st (un-outlined)(22), red for 2nd (shadowed)(23), yellow for 3rd (un-outlined)(24). However, at this time only have photographic evidence of the 1st and 2nd/3rd chuutais.

    Command Markings: Unknown, none of the three known aircraft having any form of command marking.

    Additional Aircraft Markings: An aircraft number, can be found clearly on one example. Oddly the most detailed marking in the photographs (23 telltail), the number is both crude in form, size and placement, yet it is assumed that other Hayabusas would of been marked as such as well. Hinomaru are typical in placement and outlining of those on the fuselage.

    Spinner Marking: Spinners appear to be primer brown with no color relating to chuutai noted.

    Camouflage: in all three photographic examples the aircraft appear to have been repainted often in a palm fron pattern. Touched up enough times that it even makes areas seem fully covered, the varied shades from fresh to worn are evident and "assumed" to be dark green.


    25-28, 24th Hikousentai:
    The build up of Japanese Army Flying Corps forces continuing, roughly mid-May, 1943 the long existing 24th Sentai reinforced existing units arriving at But/Dagua, New Guinea with their newly acquired Ki-43-II. Though the reason unknown to me, on route they had left their 1st Chuutai at Babo much farther West for air defense there. Oddly though joining the rest of the Sentai ten days later, one of this group laid claim to their first kills in the theatre of two B-24's with a third damaged. Almost instantly the unit began to see action making numerous claims of B-24's yet also noting significant losses of senior personnel. Once the attacks of mid-August began combat would be relentless, yet by October 2nd, 1943 the unit would be withdrawn back to Japan, though would return to the Western portion of the theatre in May of 1944. Any 24th Sentai aircraft seen in action most likely after the October 1943 date however would of been flown by the 14th Hikoudan Hien units freshly there (68th & perhaps 78th Sentai) having lost virtually all of their aircraft time and again in the months subsequent to August 17th.

    Sentai/Chuutai/Shoutai Emblem & Markings: Though difficult to visualize and debatable, the unit emblem now contrary to their previous (looking much like the 1st Sentai style) had changed to a small stylized 2 & 4 merged together. Classic in chuutai coloration of cobalt blue for the command flight (25), white for 1st chuutai (26), red 2nd chuutai (27), and yellow for 3rd (28). There was no contrasting outlining, yet the emblem seemed to vairy slightly in consistancy of proportions (not shown).

    Command Markings: Though debatable as to whether a command or personal mark, in one photograph of either a command flight aircraft or a second chuutai, a wide yellow band about the fuselage between the hinomaru and combat band can be found.

    Additional Aircraft Markings: Hinomaru placement and style including outlining is as typical with most other units of the day. Further some though not all 24th Hayabusa have a well written 2 digit number upon the rudder as shown in telltails 26 & 27. No other unique markings are known.

    Spinner Marking: spinners of aircraft may or may not have been marked in chuutai colors. With some aircraft it is obvious, with others debatable.

    Camouflage: Though in most cases upper surfaces were covered fully (assumed in green), other 24th aircraft can be found either sparsely covered to some even seeming primarily bare metal. Chipping and paint failure is also quite evident on even active aircraft.


    29-35, 33rd Hikousentai:
    Arriving late in the theatre the 33rd Hikousentai would not escape the wrath of the New Guinea unscathed. Noted as reaching Hollandia, New Guinea on the 21st/2nd of February 1944, their aircraft strength of 30 Ki-43-II was bolstered to an impressive 50 on the 26th of February, yet after transferring to the Wewak complex of bases (Wewak and But noted) in early March would not see their aircraft numbers above 20 until leaving the theatre (roughly assumed in April, 1944). Contrary to many other Hayabusa units however, they would fight another day.

    Sentai/Chuutai/Shoutai Emblem & Markings: A beautifully sweeping inverted 3 covering most of the vertical stabilizer and rudder, made for a somewhat visible yet obvious marking. It is debatable whether a cobalt blue marking either outlined or not (29 & 30) existed for the command flight like other units, however the 33rd is noted as the 1st chuutai being white (and possibly outlined in red when upon sparsely camouflaged aircraft...unconfirmed) (31 & 32), red and also outlined in white for the 2nd chuutai (33 & 34), yellow for the 3rd chuutai (35).

    Command Markings: It is unknown by the author if command markings while in New Guinea were utilized by this regiment.

    Additional Aircraft Markings: The placement and outlining of Hinomarus was typical for the aircraft and period. Though no personal marks have been found, it is noted that in other theatres a 33rd Hayabusa did have a unique wide red tail band about the rear fuselage, yet nothing similar is known to me in New Guinea. There is a rather striking feature however. Some of the 33rd airframes were noted as having a rather large (perhaps 12") single digit numeral perhaps denoting the aircraft 2/3 of the distance between the fuselage hinomaru toward the combat band. Very well formed (almost stenciled) in one case, rougher in the second.

    Spinner Marking: Spinners I have noted seem to be in a primer nothing more.

    Camouflage: The typical camouflage found on New Guinea 33rd aircraft tends to be a very fine lined and dense palm fron / snake weave pattern. So fine and dense with varied hues from repaints that it will often hint at chipping though they are simply gaps in the pattern.


    36-40, 59th Hikousentai:
    Briefly at least part of the Sentai stationed in Babo through March and April of 1943, the 59th participated in the infamous Darwin raids before being eventually transferred to But, New Guinea mid-July with their remaining 27 Ki-43-II. Well recognized in the region and their simply marked aircraft noted over much of the regions bases, the 59th became well known for the tenacity and skill of its members. Oddly enough, the most recognizable aircraft and pilot of the 59th was that of Captain Shigeo Nango. Deservedly well respected by his men and those in the theatre, it is he that is noted in his diary as stating "it was no longer the day of the Hayabusa". The regiment while in theatre saw considerable combat and of the Ki-43 regiments was perhaps/arguably the most successful, yet on February 17th, 1944 the regiment was withdrawn to Japan saving it from the fate of others remaining. It is possible that 59th aircraft seen in combat during the month of October, 1943 and after mid-February, 1944 were flown by members of the 68th & 78th Sentai's to bolster their aircraft numbers.

    Sentai/Chuutai/Shoutai Emblem & Markings: Simple and recognizable, a single narrow stripe running diagonally over the rudder and vertical stabilizer enveloping the leading edge of the transition piece to the fuselage. Noted as being marked in the classic colors of cobalt blue outlined in white for the command flight (36), white for the 1st chuutai (37), red outlined in white early on, then later and perhaps on more sparsely camouflaged aircraft without outlines for the 2nd chuutai (38 & 39), and yellow for the 3rd chuutai (40). We know without question that there was indeed a command flight color in that it is often debated as to why Capt. Nango utilized it for his dual commad stripes they also outlined in white. Further, all 59th aircraft had a similar width stripe along the trailing edge of the horizontal stabilizer its full width and parallel to the rudders marked in the same color and outlining as the sentai vertical stabilizer marking.

    Command Markings: The 59th utilized a couple of notable command markings. Typically a single or double band about the fuselage behind the hinomaru and wider then the combat band. All examples I have seen in white except for Capt. Nango's (and beware of those in profiles showing red) which were two cobalt blue outlined in white markings.

    Additional Aircraft Markings: The fuselage hinomaru was placed typically, yet seems in some cases to have a very narrow outline, others more typical and still on a couple of others possibly non-existant or in a different color then white. Many of the aircraft also carried a two digit number crisp in detail and common in font upon the rudder above the sentai marking (stripe) (as shown in 37, 38, & 40). Though seeming a rather regimented unit as to markings, oddly there is one example of Sgt. Hirohata's aircraft sporting a rather large bird in flight (perhaps a sparrow) in red on the side of the fuselage behind the hinomaru. From the same photograph though it has been debated, there also seems to be a rather large white and red stripe forward of the hinomaru where command markings are more typically placed, and perhaps even a stripe angling down toward the hinomaru. Caution is again advised when reviewing profiles of this aircraft as to color and markings.

    Spinner Marking: Spinners can be found in both base primer, yet also 1/2-3/4 (removable portion ahead of props) in white, and perhaps even chuutai colors (unconfirmed).

    Camouflage: Initially, 59th Ki-43 were painted in a uniform and fully covering dark green upon the upper surfaces of the aircraft and debatably even the undersides of the fuselage and it is suggested wrapping over and under wing leading edges. In time however, the fully covering pattern gave way to small areas missed, dense palm fron patterns and even small blotches. Some aircraft even so devoid of camouflage (some wear some as intended) that they without thorough scrutiny seem bare metal.


    41-44, 63rd Hikousentai:
    Noted as arriving at Hollandia, New Guinea December 1943, the 63rd Sentai is said to have joined the fight at Wewak January 3rd, 1944 sans its first chuutai with 27 Ki-43-II. By February 20th, 1944, the first chuutai had arrived with 11 more aircraft, yet almost instantly the squadron came to realize what their brothers in arms had been facing losing 5 aircraft in their first engagement. Never the less quickly gaining their teeth the 63rd began to rack up victories, yet as had been long proven to both sides it was a give and take campaign. By March the regiment was back to Hollandia, and on April 21st, 1944 they made their last interception. Four months of air combat had taken their toll on the 63rd, and as pilots became foot soldiers slipping back into the shadows of the jungle, the Japanese High command began scratching their regiments number from the roles. By July 25th, 1944, the 63rd Hikousentai was officially disbanded as though swallowed up by New Guinea.

    Sentai/Chuutai/Shoutai Emblem & Markings: Bold and large, the 6 & 3 actually obvious especially on earlier aircraft before reaching New Guinea (seperated by outlining), the tip in some cases even extending all the way to the combat band yet in all cases continues off the vertical stabilizer and down onto the fuselage. Though the command flight color of cobalt blue outlined in white (41) cannot be confirmed or denied by this author, what we are sure of is the 1st chuutai was in white (42), 2nd chuutai in red outlined in white (43) also red without an outline (not shown), and the 3rd chuutai in yellow (44). Further notes past what is shown in the telltails, is what started as a very crisp and uniform marking in short order became sloppy and lost many proportions from aircraft to aircraft. Some of these markings were clearly hastily added.

    Command Markings: None. No 63rd Sentai aircraft photograph has shown a recognized command marking that is known.

    Additional Aircraft Markings: As shown in the telltails, it was more often then not the case for a 63rd aircraft to carry a rather large 2 digit aircraft number between the forks of the sentai marking upon the rudder. Always in white, initially these numerals were very crisp and proportional. Over time their quality began to waiver till ultimately they looked more hand drawn and excessively narrow yet tall. The second type of mark found just as common as the numerals are large individual katakana in place of the numbers. Again always in white, they are so common that finding neither the numerals or the katakana is the oddity. Fuselage hinomaru were as typical for the timeframe with a wide white border.

    Spinner Marking: Though probable that some spinners were left in their base primer finish (in that few photographs show them), those that show spinners have roughly 25-50% of the removable cone finished in the chuutai color.

    Camouflage: 63rd aircraft camouflage varied dramatically. Some seeming to have all upper surfaces painted fully in what I believe is green, others have such a dense and narrow palm fron or snake weave patteren that they leave few bare patches. However, some of the aircraft were clearly hastily painted leaving them moderately camouflaged, and others were clearly sparsely painted in simple small blotches.


    45-48, 77th Hikousentai:
    Last of the Hayabusa Sentai to join the fight of too little too late, the 77th Hikousentai tremendously experienced and having fought in virtually every theatre the Japanese attacked, arrived at Hollandia on February 28th, 1944 with their Ki-43-IIs was quickly thrust into the battles. Based both in the Wewak area during March yet were quickly pulled back sometime after March 16th. April was a devastating month for the 77th of which the victories would not compensate, and by late April not even two months of combat under their belt in New Guinea, the 77th's pilots were joining the others as they retreated into the jungle on foot. In the end, there was not a single survivor and just as with the 63rd, the 77th was officially disbanded on July 25th, 1944.

    Sentai/Chuutai/Shoutai Emblem & Markings: A clear and obvious 7 laid on its side, contrary to what is presented in some well respected publications, the chuutai markings would of had no reason to change in color. Cobalt blue with a halo effect about it (and possibly even white outlining for some) of the command flight (45) white outlined or not for the 1st chuutai (46), red with a halo effect (and possibly even white outlining for some) for the 2nd chuutai (47), yellow and in one very well known case (though perhaps a chuutai leaders color outlined in red) for the 3rd chuutai (48). Oddly, for the sentai emblem to have a halo effect as precisely as it does would entail either camouflaging the aircraft after or cleaning off the camouflage before its application. It is also odd that a halo effect would be utilized on darker colors (blue and red) when outlining was so commonly used. However, it may be "possible" that outlining of the marking held some greater significance (such as a chuutai leader or so on), yet that is simply speculation.

    Command Markings: 77th aircraft utilized a number of command markings though all tending to be near the rear side of the hinomaru. Noted as a single white band about the fuselage slightly wider then the combat band, there is also an example on a 3rd chuutai aircraft of two bands with a diagonal stripe beginning just above the aircraft centerline and sweeping backward to over the top of the fuselage. There is also an example of either a command flight or 2nd chuutai aircraft with a rather wide band closely followed by a much narrower band both outlined in white. Whether the stripes are blue or red I cannot say, yet the marking is rather ornamental.

    Additional Aircraft Markings: Hinomaru were placed and of a size common to Ki-43 with a broad white outline. One example though noted in Burma has a very large katakana which is just different enough that I cannot determine which it is in white. The aircraft also has a command stripe, and the white 1st chuutai marking is very well outlined. Unfortunately, most of the 77th Ki-43 photographs from New Guinea have damaged rudders. So I am unable to determine if such markings were used on other aircraft.

    Spinner Marking: Unknown, not a single 77th Ki-43 New Guinea photograph I have seen has a spinner still in place.

    Camouflage: Examples I have seen are actually quite cleverly camouflaged. Cowling heavily painted in a heavy palm from enough times it is virtually fully covered, the mid fuselage sparsely painted in small blotches to just past the hinomaru it becoming a very dense palm fron or snake weave with minimal though existing bare flecks to then loosen slightly once more all in green. The effect being, the outline of the aircraft is very well broken up, yet oddly in one example the tops of the wings seem fully covered, while in another it is a very loose yet narrow palm fron.


    49-52, 248th Hikousentai:
    As noted in Mr R. Dunn's historical recounting "248th Hiko Sentai: A Japanese “Hard luck” Fighter Unit", and excellent informative read which can be found here: http://www.j-aircraft.com/research/rdun ... /248th.htm , the 248th initially slated as one of Japan's home defense units was offered up by the high command, and on October 31st, 1943 after the 5th Airforce had pounded the Wewak complex of bases for 2 months, 32 Ki-43-II of the 248th landed to aid in the fight. Past that I'll suggest you read the above link past saying, like the 63rd, 77th, and the two Hien Sentai in the theatre the 68th & 78th, the 248th at the end of the campaign was officially disbanded on July 25th, 1944.

    Sentai/Chuutai/Shoutai Emblem & Markings: Often misunderstood even assumed to be of other units, the 248th's "boomerang" emblems graphically represent individual "ichi" or 1s merged into one to make 2-1's, 4-1's, 8-1's (or is it "ni" (2's) to make 2, 2-2's, 4-2's, I'll let you decide). Flowing and artistic, no two were exactly alike the markings seeming hand painted and covering the entire vertical tail area. An interrogation report of a captured 248th maintenance W.O. states that 248th Type 1 Fighters marking colors were white for command flight (50), blue 1st chuutai (51) (**unknown if cobalt blue or a lighter shade, shown cobalt), yellow 2nd chuutai (51), and red 3rd (52) until February, 1944. At that time the new commanding officer Maj. Kuroda determined that the new colors would be "blue (**)" for the command flight (51), white 1st chuutai (50), yellow 2nd chuutai (51), and red 3rd (52). Though the color shift brought the chuutai colors more in line with IJAFC standard practices, the second and third chuutai still remained contrary from the norm of blue for command, white for 1st, red for 2nd, and yellow for 3rd.

    Further, many profiles and art show the entire vertical stabilizer and rudder in either light blue or red with white markings for the command flight (53, 54), or even where the chevrons were left bare (unpainted, natural finish) with a red surround (55). Such schemes are incorrect (never existed) that we know of. Lastly, there is also a report of a 248th Ki-43-II with both white and red markings on the tail. Unfortunately the only photographic proof and therefor example of is currently lost to us (8mm film from a veteren who has passed away).

    Command Markings: The 248th Sentai did use command markings as it has recently come to light. Two examples of exist wherein the first is a second band spaced a bands width ahead of the combat band in chuutai color or perhaps simply white, yet in the other the combat band has been doubled in width rearward, painted in and red outlined in white on a 3rd chuutai aircraft.

    Additional Aircraft Markings: Hinomaru are typical and outlined as directed. There are no other markings I have found to differentiate 248th Ki-43.

    Spinner Marking: None known. Most/all photographs do not show the spinners.

    Camouflage: Though some typical photographs hint at a light green, I am of the opinion what we are seeing is simply faded paint that held up well (remained attached to the aluminum), and that 248th Ki-43 were painted in a moderate yet wide spray palm fron.
    See you on the Dark Side......

  22. #72

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    Also:

    Asano Hitoshi 22 kills, 1st Sentai (possible scores in WW2, perhaps China.

    Hosono Isamu 21 kills, 1st Sentai.

    Tarui Mitsuyoshi 28 Kills, 1st Sentai.


    Aoyagi Yutaka 10 Kills 11th Sentai

    Furugori Goro 11 kills 11th Sentai

    Hanada Tomio 25 Kills 11th Sentai

    Iwahashi Jyozo 20 kills 11th Sentai

    Iwase Koichi 10 kills 11th Sentai

    Kanbara Daisuke 9 kills 11th Sentai

    Kato Shoji 23 kills 11th Sentai

    Otsuka Zenzaburo 22 kills 11th Sentai (KIA 29 Jan 1942)

    Shimada Kenji 27 kills 11th Sentai (KIA 14 Sep 1939)

    Shinohara Hiromichi 58 kills 11th Sentai (KIA 27 Aug 1939)

    Togo Saburo 22 Kills 11th Sentai

    Yoshiyama Bunji 20 Kills 11th Sentai (KIA 15 Sep 1939)


    Last edited by Lt. S.Kafloc; 08-20-2017 at 15:04.
    See you on the Dark Side......

  23. #73

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    Thanks for those 1st Sentai aces! I'll have to make up 4 cards with these.

    I found those tail markings last week too. I found three of them but it looks like yours are all in one.

  24. #74

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    4 Peter, they seem to go in 4's.
    See you on the Dark Side......

  25. #75

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    A lot more with the 11th. I have 6 more Oscars on the way so this will more than cover them. I see the 64th had more than their share too but not sure if I'll get in a 3rd Sentai.

  26. #76

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    Great looking Hayabusas Rep sent.

    Look forward to Ares adding these to the official lineup someday.

  27. #77

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    Superb quartet of Oscars, Peter.

    REP!
    I laugh in the face of danger - then I hide until it goes away!

  28. #78

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    Nice Oscars, Carl & Peter.
    Voilŕ le soleil d'Austerlitz!

  29. #79

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    Just finished 6 Oscars - 3 Ki43-I and 3 Ki43-2. All are by AIM with MiscMini decals. The 43-Is are from 64th Sentai/2nd Chutai, and the 43-IIs are from 248th Sentai/2nd Chutai.



    Run for your life - there are stupid people everywhere!

  30. #80

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    True to original Oscars, Steve. Great paintjob!
    <img src=http://www.wingsofwar.org/forums/image.php?type=sigpic&userid=2554&dateline=1409073309 border=0 alt= />
    "We do not stop playing when we get old, but we get old when we stop playing."

  31. #81

  32. #82

  33. #83

  34. #84

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    4 new Oscars, AIM with Miscmini decals, 64TH SENTAI

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  35. #85

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    Excellent job Peter. REP gun fired.
    Run for your life - there are stupid people everywhere!

  36. #86

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    Thanks Steve. I've just put a few more photos of each plane in my Japanese album.

  37. #87

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    Stunning paint job on these Oscars, Master Peter.
    Better than originals!
    Now please share with us your technique used to obtain the recess lines...
    <img src=http://www.wingsofwar.org/forums/image.php?type=sigpic&userid=2554&dateline=1409073309 border=0 alt= />
    "We do not stop playing when we get old, but we get old when we stop playing."

  38. #88

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    Great looking Oscars, Peter! Love the faded green with bare metal peeking through... great effect! Certainly REP-worthy.

  39. #89

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    Really nice Oscars Steve and Peter. They all turned out great.

  40. #90

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    Quote Originally Posted by Nightbomber View Post
    Stunning paint job on these Oscars, Master Peter.
    Better than originals!
    Now please share with us your technique used to obtain the recess lines...
    Thanks Andy, Chris and Dave,

    Recessed lines...takes a bit of time the way I do it. (I tried washes but usually the whole plane gets a bit darker than I'd like.)

    I prime black, then paint the panels leaving the black prime in the recessed borders. Obvious on the all metal plane but not so on the greens. The green with metal showing is a double paint job, first in metal and then green over it, both times leaving the recesses black. With a small rough pad I take off some of the green exposing the metal below. Also plucking/scratching off some green with an Exacto where I want to be more exact.
    The green camo on the metal is a watered down green. It goes on thin and fades when it dries. I keep adding until it builds up to where I like it.
    Last edited by Teaticket; 12-28-2017 at 16:56.

  41. #91

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    Not as great as the others in here but here are my Oscar's. The did fly in Peters game at FALL IN.

  42. #92

  43. #93

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    Quote Originally Posted by fast.git View Post
    Great looking Oscars, Peter! Love the faded green with bare metal peeking through... great effect! Certainly REP-worthy.
    Thanks. I love the battle worn look, a true veteran of the sky.

  44. #94

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    Bob, two of your fearless Oscars at Fall In taking on the big boy.

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    Last edited by Teaticket; 12-29-2017 at 18:45.

  45. #95

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    Great painting, Peter, Steve and Bob!

  46. #96

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    Was the paint on Nakajima 43 that bad that it couldn't stand the Pacific weather???
    Last edited by badlands122; 12-31-2017 at 12:02.

  47. #97

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    Don't think it was that. I don't think the Japanese maintained their planes much other than engine work and battle damage fix ups.

  48. #98

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    Just saw this and good photo but I have to say the game was great and looking forward to Cold Wars. Stay warm as I saw you were out in the weather or maybe I saw you on Nat Geo ?

  49. #99

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    Quote Originally Posted by BobP View Post
    Just saw this and good photo but I have to say the game was great and looking forward to Cold Wars. Stay warm as I saw you were out in the weather or maybe I saw you on Nat Geo ?
    I'm not a NatGeo Arctic explorer, just out for a local stroll!

  50. #100

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    Quote Originally Posted by Teaticket View Post
    I'm not a NatGeo Arctic explorer, just out for a local stroll!
    Looks like you might get another hit this week, Peter. Better lay in supplies
    Karl
    It is impossible for a man to begin to learn what he thinks he knows. -- Epictetus

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