Hi,

I was in Tokyo the other day and went to visit the Yakusuni Shrine. These are pictures of a Type 52 Zero they have in the lobby of the museum there. I believe the main airframe was found at Rabaul and the restoration was completed with parts of four other Zeros found on Yap. Apparently the aircraft was built from parts from two different aircraft (4240 & 4241) on the assembly line because they were in such a rush to build them that there was a mixup at the factory.

They have a Judy and an Okha in the main museum but you can't take any pictures there. I included some text on the rear fuselage for the skinners out there.

Good hunting,
Sillius_Sodus

Any more close-ups? I can never get enough of those.

Sorry R_Target, that was the only aircraft in the lobby. I just wish I could ahve taken pictures in the rest of the museum.

Good hunting,
Sillius_Sodus

Good Stuff

Why won't they let you take pictures in the main museum??

--Outlaw.

It'd be hard to keep your lips off that...

Nice and clean, the way I like 'em.........

What an absolutely gorgeous aircraft. Nice post.

Also, please explain why there were "no photo" rules in other portions of the museum? Was it for political purposes? or was it simply they didn't want the artificial light degrading anything light-sensitive?


TB

Hi,

When you enter the main portion of the museum there is a sign that says it is forbidden to take video, still pictures or make sound recordings. I don't know why the ban on sound recordings but I can understand about video/photography, at least if artificial lighting is used. There are a lot of antique suits of armor, uniforms, flags and documents in the museum as well as paintings which could be damaged by long term exposure to bright light.

It's too bad the ban extends to the gallery containing the WWII exhibits because there is some very interesting stuff there. I've mentioned the Judy and the Ohka, but there is also an example of a licence built DB601 engine, a type 97 light tank and even a Kaiten manned torpedo. It also has the best collection of WWII Japanese aircraft and ship models I've ever seen.

Looking further back in time, there are very good exhibits on the feudal history of Japan, it's transformation into a modern state in the late 19th century and it's various conflicts such as the their war with Russia in 1904-05.

It's worth a visit if you are ever in downtown Tokyo.

Good hunting,
Sillius_Sodus

Beautiful aircraft. After all these years, still looking good!

I always thought that the Mitsubishi Zero, along with the Spitfire, Mustang D and FW-190 was one of the best-looking aircraft of World War II.

I love flying it in IL-2 as well though around 1943 you just feel so outclassed when you fly it against Hellcats.

That's too bad you can't take inside pictures but I can understand the ban on cameras using flash and video lights. However with todays technology, if you can get good results w/o flash equipment or additional lighting, why not?

Is there a link that lets us see some of the inside exhibits? It sounds like a tremendous museum.

Yes, beautiful. This photo made me smile sort of wistfully though. Looks like it wants to get back into the air.



Les.

Hi,

Here are some pictures I found on the net of the WWII part of the museum. They are over ten years old, I guess the prohibition on photography is a more recent rule. The official link to the shrine and museum is: www.yasukuni.or.jp/english/



























Here are some pictures of a rare two-seat Zero that is in the National Science Museum near Ueno Park in Tokyo. Again I found these on the net.













Good hunting,
Sillius_Sodus

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Sillius_Sodus,

quote:

Originally posted by Morteiin:
Yes, beautiful. This photo made me smile sort of wistfully though. Looks like it wants to get back into the air.



Les.

My thoughts exactly!

Good hunting,
Sillius_Sodus

Those Japanese zeros always turn me on,
to go play some Pacific maps.

Simple is the best aka A6mZero

Thanks for posting the pics and links Sillius_Sodus.

(Edit) OOPS! the pics link leads to the VAQ136 page and no pics I could find.
The museum link is very interesting.

Hey Beebop,

Don't know why the link wouldn't work so I deleted it. If you google the name Yushukan you should find the link and/or other links to the museum.

Good hunting,
Sillius_Sodus

Very nice!!!

quote:

Originally posted by Outlaw---:
Why won't they let you take pictures in the main museum??

--Outlaw.

If I had to guess, I'd say it's because they found out they could make a profit selling photographs of the planes in the museum gift-shop.

Nice photographs in the lobby though.

you is wrong zeke have boxey square nose like in game model 100 percent accurate!

great pictures and such a beautiful zero along with the other aircraft