[}:)]exactly which plane(s) did the Japanese use as Kamakazees at the end of the war? Anybody make them in 1:48? Anything special about their construction, paint schemes etc?[?]
For the most part, they used anything tht could get into the air, what ever was sitting on the airfield. They did have a purpose buillt rocket a/c called the Okha, or cherry lossom. The allies called it Baka, or fool. It was usually carried by Bettys to within range. Most were never dropped.
I can’t say exactly which planes, but a partial listing would be:Ki-27 Nate, Ki-61 Tony, Zero 21, Zero 52, Ki-45 Nick, Ki-51 Sonia, Type 97 Kate, Ki-84 Frank, Ki-43 Oscar, D4Y Judy. Probably several more that don’t come to mind. All are available in 1/48 scale from various manufacturers. Some were specially modified for the Kamikaze attack role, so best to check specific references for the birds you want to model. Most used conventional IJNAF/IJAF color schemes and some, but not all, carried special personal markings for “The Last Flight”. Probably others can offer more detailed on-line references, but it’s been a while since I did my research.
Rick’s list is a pretty good reflection of what was used in addition to a few purpose build Taiatari ‘special attack’ (suicide) aircraft such as the Oka and the Ki-115. For the most part they would take any war weary aircraft they could make fly one more time and stuff it full of explosives then try to fly it into any target of opportunity.
slightly off this topic but did you know the first kamakazee was an a6m2 at pearl harbor. the pilot knew he couldnt make it to the carriers so he found a target of opportunity. one of the hangars at, i believe, hickham.
ok so much for my knowledge of the kamakazee’s
joe
Swanny, I didn’t list the Ki-115 because I didn’t think it was ever actually deployed. I was quite surprized when Eduard recently released this as a 1/48 kit, cause it’s a real obscure footnote in WWII aviation history. Course I bought one anyway, the Profipack version to boot. Thinking about starting it, but the fall-off on take-off landing gear, diligently depicted by Eduard, has me a little concerned. Have you looked at it and if so have any thoughts on how the gear might hold up?
Things like that happened many times on both sides. Ive read of plenty of Allied pilots being wounded and knowing they couldnt return home… so they decided to take a few with them!
I cannot understand the reasoning behind someone starting an airplane taking off and going to kill themselves and others. It just baffles my mind.
Of course you must have all heard about the Irish Kamikaze?? He’s on his third mission tomorrow!!
[#wstupid]
aeromaster makes a decal sheet/book for kamakazees. But I have it in 1/72 ,not sure if they make it 48th Jason
[bow][bow][bow][bow][bow]
jim you must understand they were serving their emporer, ie a godlike figure. to the japanese pilots who volenteered for this honor this was the ultimate. similar to those of middle eastern descent who strap a vest with explosives on and then find a large group of people. to die for your belief is a honor not everyone is allowed.
joe
joe
While we’re at it, we might as well spell and pronounce the word correctly, eh?
KAMIKAZE
Pronunciation: Kah-mee-kah-zeh
Kami: Divine spirit, God
Kaze: Wind
Kamikaze: Divine Wind
I only bring this up because so many non-Japanese people living here in Japan raise such a fuss about the Japanese folks misspelling and mispronouncing English. Which, bless their hearts, they sure do…often hilariously.
Anyway, just thought ya’ll would like to know.
Totally off topic, but I’ve got to mention it in response to j-hulks post.
For truly amazing Japanese English try;
Karl
You are right there J-Hulk, but there are plenty of folks in these forums who are quite adept at mangling the English language too!!! [(-D][(-D][(-D]
Hey - I no how to spell - it’s just that my fingers don’t!
[banghead][banghead][banghead][banghead][banghead]
Language is fun, ain’t it?
[:I][:I][:I][:I]
thanks j-hulk
joe