B5N2 Kate color question

I have a couple of old Mania B2N5 Kate kits (actually 3 models - one is a double kit w/parts that allow you to build both the B5N1 and the B5N2). These are actually very nicely molded and well fitting kits for their age (late 60s-early 70s ?). Although they may be a little small for 1/72, all the panel lines are very finely engraved, a well detailed engine is furnished and some of the current mfgs could learn a lesson from Mania on what to provide OOB to detail the cockpit areas.

Both kits provide a seperate sheet with color profiles to match the decal sheet - the single model kit has 4 B2N5 profiles while the double model kit provides 1 B5N1 profile and B2N5 profiles. Both profile sheets do contain one common profile - A Pearl Harbor Kate with a yellow AI-301 and three yellow bars all on the vertical tail surfaces. Which leads to my problem. Every thing matches between the two profiles except the area under the canopy, on top of the fuselage between the crewmembers positions. One shows that area matches the camo on the exterior while the second drawing shows the area as being painted in Aotake Blue. Since that area sticks out like somewhat the proverbial diamond stuck in an unusual spot on a goats anatomy, I’d kinda like to get it right. So which is it, Camo or Blue?

I am hardly an “expert” on Japanese colors and markings, but the Hasegawa 1/48 B5N2 kit # 09553 has the AI-301 markings and shows all the area under the canopy on the top of the fuselage as Nakajima Green, Mr Color 127.

John

Here are four pages of Kate pics: http://www.ijnafphotos.com/jbwb5n1.htm

In the photos where it’s visible, it is painted Nakajima cockpit color. WEM (White Ensign Models) produces this color, available from Great Models and Meteor Productions. I used this color on my Kate: http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v280/Pixilater/kate/?start=all

Have fun with the Kate, it’s a beautiful aircraft.

Thanks guys, appreciate it very much. Pix - very nice Kate