[STARMAN 352ND]

Is this a correct looking scheme that was used by Japan ?
JP
A6M2 Zero Fighter IJN 261st Flying Group
Mariana/Saipan 1944

[hworth18]

I have seen this scheme illustrated like this and like 21st Centurys version and I am not sure which is correct. This is my favorite Dragon Zero scheme.

[Epapazian]

Pictures of other land-based Zeros seem to indicate a green and sand or light earth upper surface pattern, not two shades of green. Unfortunately those I have seen are all monochrome, however the portions I take to be sand or light earth, which are crudely applied, look very light compared to the darker green.

[Cruver Collecter]

Shame there are not more color photo of WWII Japanese aircraft from that period. I have seen a similar paint scheme in illustration done by Shigeru Nahara for the Aero Details issue on the Zero, but thats about it.

[kb466]

No, this scheme is probably not correct, at least with respect to the two tone green. That seems to be the most recent concensus among those that know. This two tone scheme has often been pictured on the Zeros captured on Saipan in 1944. As there are photos which show them on the deck of a US Escort Carrier being transported back to the US and apparently showing a two tone scheme, people have long assumed that is what they wore. However, more recently photos have surfaced which show US sailors on the carrier wiping off the considerable Saipan dirt, dust and grime with wet or oily rags. Apparently they did not complete the job which explains the apparent two tone scheme. You might look over at J-aircraft. com (a site run by Jim Lansdale, father of HM member Lansdale) where this subject has long been discussed by some leading Japanese aircraft experts.

By the way, I have this Zero and really like it still.

[STARMAN 352ND]

I'll hold off getting this one until i find out if it's close to the right scheme..
JP