Bringing you the wealth of Japanese aviation history
Monday, 31 October 2011
Friday, 28 October 2011
30th IPMS-Hellas National modelling Expo and Competition
Between October 20-23 took place in Athens the 30th modelling expo and competition organized by IPMS-Hellas.
Below are some of the Japanese Aviation entries.
A brilliant A6M5c Model 52 by Bandai in 1/24 by Spiros Molinaris that proves that you don't need "unusual" paint jobs to build an enjoyable and spectacular model.
An incredible diorama by Panagiotis Koubetsos.
Alexandros Angelopoulos participated with a fantastic Kawasaki Ki-10 "Perry" flown by Lt. Sakai Iori, belonging to the 2nd Hentai, 2nd Chutai of the 2nd Daitai.
And a wonderful Kawanishi N1K "Kyofu" belonging to the Otsu-ku.
More photos here.
Photos by Feridun Molla Hasan & Alexandros Angelopoulos
Thursday, 27 October 2011
Wednesday, 12 October 2011
Tuesday, 11 October 2011
Mitsubishi G3M "Nell"
In this photo from a vintage publication, two Mitsubishi G3M2 Model 21 “Nell” bombers can be seen operating from mainland China before the beginning of the Pacific War. Note the hastily applied camouflage over NMF surfaces and the properly painted black engine cowling.
The three-bar rank insignia on the sleeve of the pilot on the left indicates that he is probably a commander (“chusa”); his colleague is probably a captain ("taisa", four bars). Some pilots chose not to wear these insignia, which were always on the left sleeve and became smaller in 1944.
The one-piece uniform is a winter version of the Type 9 (1934) featuring a rabbit fur-lined collar (the official colour was black) and zippers on the sleeves; the summer version lacked the fur and had buttons on the sleeves.
Last but not least, note that each pilot is carrying a Nambu pistol in a holster, which in the case of the pilot on the left carries his name in white.
