Replica Kate in Thailand

[Warbird Kid]

This replica Kate is apparently at the Tango Squadron Chiang Mai museum. Wonder what it would take to see it come back to the states?
http://thaiaviation.com/gallery2/v/Tang ... _.jpg.html
This example very well could have been one of the Japanese produced Kates for the Tora movie. Would like to Jerry Yegan acquire this example so his Val isn't lonely. Or maybe even the CAF try and get her.

[Speedy]

Straining the brain to remember here...but weren't there a few planes modified and used IN JAPAN for the scenes where the pilots are training for their torpedo runs?

Could this be how one got over in Thailand?

[kzollitsch]

It was actually in the US until relatively recently (I think it left within the last 2-5 years??). I've got a picture of it from Oshkosh in '96.

I hope they still fly it over there, otherwise what a waste!

[Jerry O'Neill]

I don't remember any of the Kates having the geared engine with the three blade prop.

I know some of the Zeros had geared engines.
Jerry

[Warbird Kid]

http://www.richard-seaman.com/Aircraft/ ... ates07.jpg

Judging by this shot Im assuming the three bladed versions are the geared ones. I count 2 out of 4.

[bluehawk15]

I can only speak about Kates 310 and 356. Kate 310 has two bladed prop, and is not geared. Kate 356 has a three bladed prop, and is geared.

[Dave Homewood]

Wonder what it would take to see it come back to the states?

Why? Is it for sale? Or do you just think it shouldn't be owned outside of the USA? I'm confused by your remarks.

[Warbird Kid]

No no. Nothing like that. I'd like to see the aircraft be flown where ever it ends up. If the Tango Squadron can do it justice and display her and fly her then thats great. But I do have to admit that I am kind of partial to seeing this one included in the Tora team if it was possible. But the bottom line is I hate to see it sitting on the ground. Much like the March AFB replica Val.

Anyone have any info on who owned her prior to going to Thailand?

[Roger Cain]

It was actually in the US until relatively recently (I think it left within the last 2-5 years??). I've got a picture of it from Oshkosh in '96.

I hope they still fly it over there, otherwise what a waste!

I photographed this bird at Osh in 1996 also. She was registered as N1264, and was once RCAF 20229, and she had the geared engine then too. Another Kate replica painted as AII-356 (N3725G) also had a three-bladed prop and geared engine on it.