A pair of Ki-43 Oscars

[Randune]

Took a motorcycle trip down the coast and managed to stop at both Paul Allens place in Everett Wa. and The Tillamook Air Museum in Oregon. Thought I'd post some pics of the two Oscars.

First one is the early version at FHC. They said its maintained in flyable condition but probably will never be flown due to the rarity.















The next is at Tillamook. Its flown regularly as you probably know. Interesting thing is the drop tanks on display are fakes made out of I think they said paper mache?

[Pogmusic]

Are those real or replicas?

[shrike]

The next is at Tillamook. Its flown regularly as you probably know. Interesting thing is the drop tanks on display are fakes made out of I think they said paper mache?

Not fakes. Replicas perhaps
The Japanese, as well as the RAF and USAAF used paper drop tanks. They only have to hold fuel for an hour or so, and you're going to throw them away anyway.

[DaveM2]

Are those real or replicas?

FHC aircraft is the genuine article. Tillamook machine is a new build based on original components recovered from the Kurile Islands.

Photo shows an unintended 'hop' at Warbirds over Wanaka back in the 90s when it was part of the Alpine Fighter Collection

[gary1954]

That is Frickin' Awesome! it would be cool to have a real McCoy Japanese warbird on the circus..

Last edited by gary1954 on Tue Aug 21, 2012 8:36 pm, edited 1 time in total.

[DaveM2]

That is Frickin' Awesome! it would be cool to have a real McCoy Japanese warbird on the circus..

Well there is the Planes of Fame Zero

Dave

[Steve Nelson]

Is it just me, or do the reproduction Oscars and Me-262s have slightly taller canopies than the originals?

SN

[alang]

There are real differences in the aircraft, the one at FHC is a type 1 and the one at tillamook is a type 2 or 3. Notable differences, the one at FHC has a 2 bladed prop, the oil cooler is in front of the cylinders right behind the prop, and has a telescopic gunsight thru the windscreen. On the reader board in front of FHC is a photo of the actual plane in the jungle on Rabaul being worked on by some Japanese oldiers.

[gary1954]

That is Frickin' Awesome! it would be cool to have a real McCoy Japanese warbird on the circus..

Well there is the Planes of Fame Zero

Dave

Well I am in the Southern State of Georgia, so it would be cool for the Californian owned, Made in Japan, for real NIP airplane to be flown around in this part of the country...hey! please don't Bogart that airplane.....I'm just sayin'

[lvkeith83]

That is Frickin' Awesome! it would be cool to have a real McCoy Japanese warbird on the circus..

Well there is the Planes of Fame Zero

Dave

Well I am in the Southern State of Georgia, so it would be cool for the Californian owned, Made in Japan, for real NIP airplane to be flown around in this part of the country...hey! please don't Bogart that airplane.....I'm just sayin'

Gary, I think that some folks might find that comment offensive. .........Just my thought!

[262crew]

Is it just me, or do the reproduction Oscars and Me-262s have slightly taller canopies than the originals?

SN

Cant speak about the Oscars (because I dont know) but the 262's do have a taller single seat canopy. The reason, to accommodate taller pilots.

[D Hansen]

Would love to get some air to air photos with the Oscar and PV-2...what do you think the chances
Dave
PV-2 Attu Warrior

[Steve Nelson]

Is it just me, or do the reproduction Oscars and Me-262s have slightly taller canopies than the originals?

SN

Cant speak about the Oscars (because I dont know) but the 262's do have a taller single seat canopy. The reason, to accommodate taller pilots.

I figured as much. I've been fortunate enough to sit in both an original 262 and a couple of Buchons, and could barely close the canopies (I'm 6'2''.) And of course WWII pilots (of all nations) were not only shorter, they also didn't need extra headroom required for modern helmets.

SN

[Warbird Kid]

Is it just me, or do the reproduction Oscars and Me-262s have slightly taller canopies than the originals?

SN

Cant speak about the Oscars (because I dont know) but the 262's do have a taller single seat canopy. The reason, to accommodate taller pilots.

I figured as much. I've been fortunate enough to sit in both an original 262 and a couple of Buchons, and could barely close the canopies (I'm 6'2''.) And of course WWII pilots (of all nations) were not only shorter, they also didn't need extra headroom required for modern helmets.

SN

Didn't the POF Zero's seat get lowered an inch or two to accommodate all those large Californian's?

On the subject of the new-build Oscars: I for one think these are great to see. While they may not be 100% authentic they fill the gap nicely. I mean.. how long would it have taken to see FHC's take to the skies? Or another intact example perhaps? I do have to ask: does anyone know if these new-build / replicas have had any teething problems similar to the FW-190's and Me-262s? I only wish a new company comes along and picks up production of these. Heck, wouldn't be kind of cool to see one these around the pylons at Reno.

Last edited by Warbird Kid on Fri Aug 24, 2012 8:36 pm, edited 1 time in total.

[hang the expense]

Park the real ones and fly the piss out of the repops.They are just as cool and you dont have to worry as much if you prang one as you would the original.