Does anyone know of a good ref for this subject, particularly the tail markings on a/c for each carrier air-group. And I am not just talking about markings for Pearl Harbor which has been fairly well exhausted research-wise. I am more interested in the markings for other carriers (such as Junyo and Zuiho, etc…) and for other campaigns, such as Santa Crus, etc…
M.A.L. Hobbies in Irving, Texas has exactly the book you are looking for that has all of the unit markings in it. It was hard cover and a bit pricey. They do mail orders. Give Junior a call and I’m sure he can set you up.
Just Google for the carrier that you want to do. There are websites out there that show the AC markings for the carrier group. I found this out as I was looking for photos of the Ryujo as I want to build a 1/72 section of it with a B-26 overflying it dropping a torpedo (Kiska Blitz, Capt. Thornbrough, which he misses).
Have you tried J aircraft.com? http://www.j-aircraft.com/ They are probably the best online resource for stuff of this matter. I am fairly certain that between Midway and Guadalcanal that tail codes changed since the 1st and 2nd carrier divisions were destroyed and a reorginization took place due to their loss. Or try this site also http://www.combinedfleet.com/kaigun.htm
The link here has a page with some info you may want…
The only books on this subject you will likely ever need again are books #1 through #3 in the Air Collection series published by AF Editions.
#1 Japanese Military Aircraft Fighters Of The Imperial Japanese Army 1939-1945
ISBN 977 84-96016-87-3
Shows tail / unit markings from every Sentai from '39-'45
#2 Japanese Military Aircraft The Air Force Of The Imperial Japanese Navy (carrier based aircraft 1922-1945 1)
ISBN 978 84-96935-04-4
Shows tail / unit markings for Fighters, Bombers, Torpedo Bombers and a few others for every carrier from '22 - '45 including all the changes in markings for each carrier. Plus a translation of the name and service history of each ship and some other goodies.
#3 Japanese Military Aircraft The Air Force Of The Imperial Japanese Navy (carrier based aircraft 1922-1945 2)
ISBN 978 84-96935-05-1
Shows tail / unit markings for Float Planes and Flying Boats used by ships other then Aircraft Carriers from '22-'45 including changes in markings. Also includes translation of the name and service history of the ship and some other goodies.
All three books are by Eduardo Cea and are most highly recommended.
Andrew