New Georgia Zero

[Jack Cook]

A6M found at Munda Point Airfield after its capture Aug 1943.

[Obergrafeter]

I was hoping it was about a "New" restoration in the other "Georgia.

[Steve Nelson]

I think I read somewhere that this aircraft was a square wingtip A6M3 Model 23. The Allies gave it the code name "Hamp," initially believing it was a different aircraft than the "Zeke."

This one actually looks to be in better shape than that A6M5 that languished outdoors in Atlanta, GA for decades (I believe that one is now under restoration, but I'm too lazy to look it up.)

SN

[Kyleb]

I think I read somewhere that this aircraft was a square wingtip A6M3 Model 23. The Allies gave it the code name "Hamp," initially believing it was a different aircraft than the "Zeke."

This one actually looks to be in better shape than that A6M5 that languished outdoors in Atlanta, GA for decades (I believe that one is now under restoration, but I'm too lazy to look it up.)

SN

The one in Atlanta wouldn't have been so bad except sometime during/after the war, it was used as a fundraising airplane... "Pay a buck, hit a Japanese aircraft with an Axe (or sledghammer).."

[Oscar Duck]

why is the "glass" always missing in pics of Japanese wrecks????

[Matt Gunsch]

why is the "glass" always missing in pics of Japanese wrecks????

Because it was a useful item and they were stockpiling it for after the war. Where do you think Tamiya and Hasegawa got all the plastic for thier model kits.

Seriously,
I would think that most of the time it was removed for souviners, also bomb blasts would do real well at removing plexi from frames

[hang the expense]

The plane in the pic is missing the right wing.The one in ATL was intact tip to tip.She was ground looped at PDK (old NAS ATL) and it wiped the gear and broke the back.Still it was the best thing going for a zero rebuild that I had ever seen.

[mustangdriver]

I always wanted to see a pic of how the NMUSAF Zero looked when found.

[Steve Nelson]

Back around 1980 or so, the NMUSAF had a badly banged-up Zero tail section that had been crudely spliced together standing on end behind the B-25. I'm not sure if it was part of the aircraft that's now on display. In fact, I'm not sure just how much of the NMUSAF Zero is original and how much is reproduction. Beautiful job either way!

SN

[paddleblade]

Okay since someone already brought this up, what happened to the Zero from Atlanta, Georgia? I did a quick search on WIX, but nothing found. I hope it is getting restored or is restored somewhere and did not have a bad ending. Sorry if this has been answered before. Thanks.

[Matt Gunsch]

Flying Heritage Collection have aquired this Zeke from World Jet Inc, Fort Lauderdale, ex Atlanta Museum, Georgia. Probably captured on Saipan and sistership to the Zeke at Planes of Fame. Not airworthy.

[PeterA]

A shot sent by Bill Ross, must be 30 years ago.

PeterA