Well, H E double hockeysticks. If Stik is in this one, I’ll definitely be interested. I did read “Shattered Sword” last year, and have gained a lot of new insight into the Pacific War.
Ideally an IJN carrier, however reason intrudes on that. I’ll keep you posted.
EDIT: “The galloping ghost of the Japanese coast”. USS Trigger SS-237.
Part of Task Force 7.2 lying roughly halfway between Midway and Oahu Islands.
Mare Island boat on eternal patrol.
For those looking to build something other than a carrier based aircraft, Starfighter Decals has the answer. Provided you build 1/72 that is.
http://www.starfighter-decals.com/usaaf-usmc-at-midway-37jun371942.html
Shows how much I know about Japanese planes. [8-)]
I see Aaron and Elizabeth gave Airfix’s Kate a pretty good video review.
Good to have you with this GB, too, GM. I’ll update the roster.
Is there any other scale? [:^)]
Nope, but others seem to think so.[;)]
LOLs!
Change of plans. Instead of the Avenger, put me down for Special Hobby’s 1/72 F2A-3 Buffalo. Markings will be for Capt. William C. Humbert USMC, of VMF-221.
Thanks, lewbud. Roster is updated.
CMK-
Put me down for the Trumpeter 1/144 Gato 1941- updated to SS-237 Trigger in June 1942.
It will be a crossover with the Sub War GB if that’s ok.
That’s great, GM! Crossover is fine. Roster is updated.
Yes, Akagi’s Kate’s were likely in the solid green uppers, just like at Pearl Harbor. Although they played a minimal role at Midway. IIRC, two flew as part of the early morning scout mission on the 4th, and one (perhaps one of those scouts) flew as an orphan with the Hiryu’s torpedo strike against Yorktown that afternoon. The rest never left the hangar decks or flight deck of Akagi. Hiryu’s Kates saw the most action that day, flying first against Midway in the morning along with Soryu’s. The survivors of the morning raid (they were hit hard in the morning by both the Marine fighters of VMF-221 and anti aircraft fire, with only half left operational) later flew their last sortie against the Yorktown that afternoon along with the Akagi “orphan”.
Interesting. I would have thought they were part of the attack on the island since Nagumo was indecisive whether to load torpedoes or bombs later.
No, they were kept in reserve on the morning strike. The confusion in rearming came about while they were still below decks. First it was arm up for a second strike on Midway based upon Tomonaga’s request for another strike. Then it was halted upon Scout 4 sighting the US fleet and torpedos are then called for. But after no carrier is seen the land bombs are back on the load out… then a US carrier is sighted, and it’s torpedoes again… in the meantime they are under repeated attacks from Midway and fighters assigned to escort any strike are sent up into the Combat Air Patrol to help repel strikes. The Japanese plan did not allow for the contingency of having to hit Midway again, and US carriers being in the same place at the same time…
Had the Enterprise’s dive bombers turned and gone back to the ship like the Hornet’s did, Akagi and Kaga would have survived the morning strike. Or if Lt Best’s single three plane Division of Bombing 6 had not made their successful strike on Akagi. And three, or two carriers would have launched a co ordinated dive bomber (Hiryu) and torpedo plane (Akagi and Kaga) strike against the US force. The war in the Pacific would have taken a far different turn most likely in that case, and Midway would possibly have been more like Santa Cruz.
Ok, that explains it.
Well I have a question. I looked at the instructions and the Akagi Kate markings are for Apr 42. I’m assuming they didn’t repaint in the two months from Apr to Jun.
Can I still use this as the build or do you want me to change?
I don’t know anything at all about IJN planes, mc, so it’s fine with me.
I would think the IJN had more to worry about between April and June than re-painting planes–but what do I know?
Looking forward to seeing you complete this kit buddy…I really like the paint scheme.
More than likely, that aircraft was onboard Akagi at Midway. It flew at Ceylon less than two months prior, as seen here.
Well-done, stik! Thanks for the research.
Looks pretty beat-up.
Nice! I’ll go for it.