Possible source of Japanese Warbirds?
Tue Sep 11, 2007 2:58 pm
Saw this on the Axis History Forums and wondered what any of you know about the recovery of Japanese aircraft from the Peoples Republic of China?
"My colleague is an engineer in the mining sector. While in China, he was examining an old limestone mine which was being redeveloped. During World War Two, the Japanese had turned it into a forced labor camp. While doing some prospecting, he had discovered a crashed Japanese Zero. One of the Chinese guides informed him that there are many crashed Japanese aircraft in the area and that the guide would be willing to show them to him. My colleague was too busy to visit them as he was busy examining the mine site.
I know of the location and I can probably find enough of them to rebuild a flying one. Does anyone know of any museums or individuals who would be interested in them? I am thinking about just buying them and bringing them back for my own display."
"My colleague is an engineer in the mining sector. While in China, he was examining an old limestone mine which was being redeveloped. During World War Two, the Japanese had turned it into a forced labor camp. While doing some prospecting, he had discovered a crashed Japanese Zero. One of the Chinese guides informed him that there are many crashed Japanese aircraft in the area and that the guide would be willing to show them to him. My colleague was too busy to visit them as he was busy examining the mine site.
I know of the location and I can probably find enough of them to rebuild a flying one. Does anyone know of any museums or individuals who would be interested in them? I am thinking about just buying them and bringing them back for my own display."
Tue Sep 11, 2007 4:57 pm
good luck in dealing with the communist chinese hierarchy / government!! although your optimism is most admirable!!
Wed Sep 12, 2007 12:22 am
China is such a populous country I doubt there is anything like this just laying around. I would love to be proven wrong though.
This does sound much like the stories from the former Soviet Union where guys would be happy to take your money for the supposed recovery and then split. I'll bet you a dollar this whole thing is a scam.
This does sound much like the stories from the former Soviet Union where guys would be happy to take your money for the supposed recovery and then split. I'll bet you a dollar this whole thing is a scam.
Wed Sep 12, 2007 12:26 pm
Let me be the first to say:
"If you are able to bring anything back, I'll take one for my museum"
One thing though, I do agree with BDK about how if there was anything left from WWII in China it would have been salvaged and sold as scrap by now.
Maybe if we simply pull a fast one. Go into the area with speed and efficiency... grab and go...
Who knows. It is very intriguing. My air museum could certainly use a Zero to display the enemy of in the pacific.
Cheers,
David
P.S. PM the contact information and I'll see what my museum could possibly do. Ya never know.
"If you are able to bring anything back, I'll take one for my museum"
One thing though, I do agree with BDK about how if there was anything left from WWII in China it would have been salvaged and sold as scrap by now.
Maybe if we simply pull a fast one. Go into the area with speed and efficiency... grab and go...
Who knows. It is very intriguing. My air museum could certainly use a Zero to display the enemy of in the pacific.
Cheers,
David
P.S. PM the contact information and I'll see what my museum could possibly do. Ya never know.
Wed Sep 12, 2007 7:25 pm
Mine too! 
Wed Sep 12, 2007 8:13 pm
there are still large areas of CHina that are mostly wilderness. A number of wrecks could still be found. However, time and the elements have most likely reduced them to scraps.
I DO have distinct memories of the Island of Cheju Do, off the coast from Pusan, having a number of rotten old hangers and some relics in them. They're on a Korean airbase, and off limits. Since the Koreans loathe everything Japanese, especially to do with the war, I doubt we'll ever see them. Not sure why they never bulldozed them, but in 95 when I was there, I definitely saw Japanese aircraft in those hangers. What has happened to them since I have no idea.
I DO have distinct memories of the Island of Cheju Do, off the coast from Pusan, having a number of rotten old hangers and some relics in them. They're on a Korean airbase, and off limits. Since the Koreans loathe everything Japanese, especially to do with the war, I doubt we'll ever see them. Not sure why they never bulldozed them, but in 95 when I was there, I definitely saw Japanese aircraft in those hangers. What has happened to them since I have no idea.
Wed Sep 12, 2007 8:25 pm
Well on one hand, not many Chinese have the avocation of wreck chasing or hiking. They are too busy trying to make a living and don't have as much free time as we do in the West. Maybe that means some are left. On the other hand since nobody is out looking none are found. So where would a Westerner look for such a thing, and if one were found could you get it out? Who wants to go to China on a wild goose chase? It is very far away and few enthusiasts speak the language. I suppose that is what was said about the former Soviet Union, but I think they have a higher level of interest in WW2 history. Find me a contact name and phone number, fax number or e-mail and I will have someone fluent in Chinese contact them and find out the real story.
Wed Sep 12, 2007 9:21 pm
China is big, and some parts very rugged. I believe there are many wrecks there of extremely rare aircraft. If someone wanted to find a salvageable "Claude" for example, I would start in China. I've had thoughts of checking it out myself, but funding and a contact are my issues. If you need help though, I'll go. I believe its worth a shot.