Showa L2D (Douglas DC-3)

A set of photos from a vintage publication featuring Showa L2D (Douglas DC-3) under production. 

We have posted more similar photos in the past, here, here and here.

 

 

 

 

 

Nakajima E8N "Dave" by Saitoh Hisao

Master Modeller and good Arawasi friend, Saitoh Hisao, finished the recently released Hasegawa Nakajima E8N "Dave" in 1:48 and shared photos of his fantastic built. He commented that the fit of the kit is excellent but the strut bracing wires of the after market set have the tendency to bend after being glued to the wing. As he always does Saitoh-san masked and painted all the markings for this "Dave" serving with the cruiser "Myoko". He used as his reference a photo featured in the "Nihon Kaigun no Kansaiki to Suijoki" (Carrier aircraft and seaplanes of the IJN) by "Dai Nippon Kaiga".  

 

Mitsubishi G3M "Nell" - video

Another short clip from the NHK collection featuring Mitsubishi G3M2-a Model 21 "Nell" bombers, similar to the previous posting, here. While in the previous posting the bombings of Chonqguing took place on July, the Japanese bombers in this video are taking part in bombings against the city in August 1941. In the beginning of the video we see the briefing of the crew members regarding their targets within the city. From 0:22 we see two high ranking officers. The one mentioned in the video, next to the unknown one with the white uniform, is Admiral Shimada Shigetaro, who as Wiki correctly mentions, was serving as "commander in chief of the IJN 2nd Fleet and China Area Fleet."

Note the G3M2-b at 0:58 and the G3M2-a at 1:05 and the green/brown camouflage pattern of the latter which has the code number "K-357" on the tail. The "K" would indicate that it belonged to Kanoya-ku which used this marking from November 1940 until September 1942.    

 

 

Manga

Picked up a new manga release today. Published by Takarajima (Treasure Island) in the usual small 12X18cm size, it is titled "Toko - Taiheiyo Senso Saigo no Tatakai" (Special Attack - The last battle of the Pacific War) and features seven stories, all in Japanese.

"Onsoku Raigeki-tai" (Torpedo bomber unit flying at the speed of sound) by Matsumoto Reiji

"Shimazaki Nihiso Shisoku Su" (PO2c Shimazaki Stalled) by Motomiya Hiroshi

"Umi no Rikuwashi" (Land Eagles of the Sea) by Takizawa Seiho

"Washington Kogeki Meirei" (Attack Order against Washington) by Matsuda Taishu

"Akuta no Sange - Senkan Yamato Suijo Toko" (?) by Yaita Katsumasa

"Kokodo no Yusha" (High Altitude Heroes) by Moriya Tetsumi

"Gekko Issen" (Gekko Flash) by Yabuguchi Kuroko

Japanese Firearms and Weapons

Commemorative Air Force
Highland Lakes Squadron
Burnet, Texas

 Located in central Texas along highway US281, lies the Highland Lakes Squadron of the CAF. Although it is normal to focus on the aircraft they have, several items stand out to those interested in WWII Japanese history, namely the IJA infantry weapons on display. Many are “war prizes” brought back to the U.S. After the war, donated by veterans and their families.
While I have tried to include the labels and tags as they are, there were a few items that didn't have identification. One item that looks rather curious is found in image set 07, in the lower right; could be an aircraft compass? Those who are fluent in kanji might be able to give some idea of the inscription on the flag in image set 06.

If anyone can identify, or add to the identity of an item, let me know. I can then pass on that information to the museum.

-D. Chouinard

 

Telford Scale Model World 2015

A great thank you to Allan Jeffery for contributing photos of Japanese aircraft models at the Telford Sacle Model World 2015. Here is a link to Allan's blog.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Japanese Spad 11A2, Standard H.3 Trainer and Nieuport 24C1

More vintage colourized postcards today.

First up three postcards of a Spad 11A2 Reconnaissance. The Japanese Army imported six of them in November 1919. They were employed by the French as reconnaissance and were later assigned to the Shimoshizu Reconnaissance Group, the predecessor to the Shimoshizu Army School which specialised in Reconnaissance training. The aircraft arrived camouflaged in the French colours of dark green, light green and brown. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Next a postcard featuring one of the three Standard H.3 trainers imported by Japan in 1917. The Wikipedia entry is correct with one correction. The high speed of the aircraft required a long airfield and Tokorozawa was deemed dangerous since it was too short for this type. So the aircraft were tested in the newly founded airfield in Kagamigahara. 

 

And finally two postcards with Japanese Nieuport 24C1s. Arawasi International issue #12 had an extensive article on this type. Note the RED star on the tail and on all wing positions. We discussed this marking HERE and we believe that this marking was not an early marking before the endorsement of the hinomaru but it was applied by previous owners before these aircraft were exported to Japan.