SPA Modeler

So a good few years ago now I bought a old 1952 copy of 'Flames in the Sky' by Pierre Clostermann D.F.C. In it was a very interesting account of 'Operation Vengeance', the aerial assassination of Admiral Yamamoto...



I'd never heard of this, and I have to say it was a pretty gutsy operation, that at the time made me want to build a P-39. So imagine how pleased I was back in 2019, when picking up a copy of Tamiya's then new and sublime P-38 kit, to find that the box art and main decal option was of one of the aircraft that took part in the mission.



I started it pretty soon after getting it, only to get side tracked into something else after just starting to paint the cockpit - and there's it's sat ever since collecting dust.

Until few days ago when I pulled it off the SOD and set to finishing the painting.



It's just had a sepia wash around the floor areas, and I've added the IP decal which is currently sitting in a pool of Mircosol.

Onwards and upwards - off to the Pacific I go, watch out for Sharks!

You da man. No, you da man and a half. Just listened to a long reel or YouTube on this mission, pretty amazing. Of the six Japanese escorts, one survived the was.

Niiiice! I want the Tamiya Lightning kit, too.... and the Tomcat kit. Both still a bit pricey for me now. Someday....

BlackSheep214 wrote: ↑Fri May 01, 2026 8:20 pm Niiiice! I want the Tamiya Lightning kit, too.... and the Tomcat kit. Both still a bit pricey for me now. Someday....

Thanks Tom, I was lucky enough to get them for my Birthday. Prices are coming down though - if you get one though it's worth it. I build the spar and nose landing gear bay last night and the fit was amazing.

LyleW wrote: ↑Fri May 01, 2026 6:06 pm You da man. No, you da man and a half. Just listened to a long reel or YouTube on this mission, pretty amazing. Of the six Japanese escorts, one survived the was.

That's interesting that one survived. It's actually a shame not more accounts from the surviving Japanese exist - I know they had a culture of shame that stopped them from talking about it.

It was a really interesting mission to be sure, I'm going to have to re-read the section of the book that talks about it. I think they actually got Lockheed involved at one point, trying to figure out how to do it.

Looking forward to this...

Stuart,

I think it was more that the Americans did not play by the Japanese rule, or what they thought would happen. Yamamoto never had a chance. According to this account, the Japanese escorts were flying textbook (theirs!) cover … above and behind. To cover the high approaches. This is where they expected any attack, from above. The P-38s were low, wave height, came from behind, attacked from below. This account indicated Yamamoto died almost instantly from a .50 cal round that stuck his thigh, traveling upward through the torso, exiting in the head/neck area. I suppose that info came from a Japanese autopsy?

Their unwavering stubbornness to stick to a plan, total surprise, and lack of respect for the caliber of men they would be facing. Midway in the air, if you wil.

Stuart,

I think this is the story, FB search Vivid Veracity, look for thenYamamoto story.

FullMetal wrote: ↑Sat May 02, 2026 1:45 am Looking forward to this...

I having been wanting that kit myself Stuart, but I am waiting for the 1/2 off sale or for it to show up at a yard sale

LyleW wrote: ↑Sat May 02, 2026 5:37 am Stuart,

I think it was more that the Americans did not play by the Japanese rule, or what they thought would happen. Yamamoto never had a chance. According to this account, the Japanese escorts were flying textbook (theirs!) cover … above and behind. To cover the high approaches. This is where they expected any attack, from above. The P-38s were low, wave height, came from behind, attacked from below. This account indicated Yamamoto died almost instantly from a .50 cal round that stuck his thigh, traveling upward through the torso, exiting in the head/neck area. I suppose that info came from a Japanese autopsy?

Their unwavering stubbornness to stick to a plan, total surprise, and lack of respect for the caliber of men they would be facing. Midway in the air, if you wil.

LyleW wrote: ↑Sat May 02, 2026 5:48 am Stuart,

I think this is the story, FB search Vivid Veracity, look for thenYamamoto story.

Thanks Lyle - I'll check it out, I shall have a re-read of my book too.

FullMetal wrote: ↑Sat May 02, 2026 1:45 am Looking forward to this...

Thanks Greg!

cbaltrin wrote: ↑Sat May 02, 2026 9:40 am

FullMetal wrote: ↑Sat May 02, 2026 1:45 am Looking forward to this...

I having been wanting that kit myself Stuart, but I am waiting for the 1/2 off sale or for it to show up at a yard sale

I hope you get one Chris. I have to say though, I thing I really DO like about 1/72 is the price - some of these newer 1/48 kits can be blooming expensive!