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Author Topic: Last flying Ki-84  (Read 2984 times)

Offline Widewing

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Last flying Ki-84
« on: July 24, 2014, 09:04:04 PM »
It belonged to Ed Maloney at the California Air Museum (later, Planes of Fame). Maloney managed to get it airworthy. It was sold to a Japanese museum when Maloney needed cash. It wasn't popular at air shows, and the cash was needed. Unfortunately, the buyer didn't bother to ask Nakajima how to remove the wings to transport it through narrow Japanese streets. So, they cut off the wings with power tools. Later, they were reattached and reinforced. However, the Hayate was destined never to fly again.

This video was made from 8mm film shot around 1965, give or take. It shows the Ki-84 being flown, along with a P-26 and a P-51 that made a landing with the wheels up (mostly). No sound, but still worth watching....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8waXqQoBri4
« Last Edit: July 24, 2014, 09:08:13 PM by Widewing »
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Offline Cthulhu

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Re: Last flying Ki-84
« Reply #1 on: July 24, 2014, 09:47:56 PM »
Seriously? Power tools? They take a sawz-all to it?
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Offline Gman

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Re: Last flying Ki-84
« Reply #2 on: July 24, 2014, 10:33:23 PM »
Great footage.  Is it me or does the ki seem longer in real life so opposed to seeing it In game?  Sure looks smooth in the air taking off.  What a shame it had to be sold.
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Offline Ack-Ack

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Re: Last flying Ki-84
« Reply #3 on: July 24, 2014, 10:39:25 PM »
I guess since it wasn't as widely known as the Zeke, I could see where it wouldn't be a popular plane at air shows.  Sad though.

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Offline Slash27

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Re: Last flying Ki-84
« Reply #4 on: July 25, 2014, 03:02:21 AM »


I assume this is her. She's wearing this same paint scheme in the museum.

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Offline -ammo-

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Re: Last flying Ki-84
« Reply #5 on: July 25, 2014, 11:20:35 AM »
That is an awesome film -  thanks for sharing :salute
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Offline GScholz

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Re: Last flying Ki-84
« Reply #6 on: July 25, 2014, 11:29:40 AM »
The war was probably too fresh in peoples' minds for them to enjoy the sight of it. Sad but understandable.
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Offline nrshida

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Re: Last flying Ki-84
« Reply #7 on: July 25, 2014, 11:42:32 AM »
You can't remove the wings on the Ki-84 they are an integral part of the centre section of the fuselage. There's a separation bulkhead just behind the cockpit they could have removed the tail and turned it 90 degrees but then I think the intention might have been to let it slowly degrade in the museum and never fly again.

Great video Widewing, thank you.  :salute


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Offline nrshida

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Re: Last flying Ki-84
« Reply #8 on: July 25, 2014, 11:53:01 AM »
Quote from: Slash27 on July 25, 2014, 03:02:21 AM
I assume this is her. She's wearing this same paint scheme in the museum.

Yes it is Slash. Only one left.

How are you old chap, still flying the Hayate like a boss?

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Offline Slash27

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Re: Last flying Ki-84
« Reply #9 on: July 25, 2014, 11:14:41 PM »
No sir, I called it quits on AH. Might come come back someday, seeing the Hayate gets the old fire stoked a bit. :D
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Offline nrshida

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Re: Last flying Ki-84
« Reply #10 on: July 29, 2014, 09:59:23 AM »
I think I've posted this picture before but this is essentially one section with no semi-permanent joins:






Quote from: Slash27 on July 25, 2014, 11:14:41 PM
No sir, I called it quits on AH. Might come come back someday, seeing the Hayate gets the old fire stoked a bit. :D

AH's loss. Well I hope you are enjoying your new hobbies and are well old chap  :salute

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Offline Slash27

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Re: Last flying Ki-84
« Reply #11 on: July 31, 2014, 06:00:40 PM »
Thanks buddy, hope to get a few DA rounds in with you again someday. :salute
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Offline Wmaker

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Re: Last flying Ki-84
« Reply #12 on: August 01, 2014, 04:17:32 AM »
Quote from: Widewing on July 24, 2014, 09:04:04 PM
Unfortunately, the buyer didn't bother to ask Nakajima how to remove the wings to transport it through narrow Japanese streets. So, they cut off the wings with power tools. Later, they were reattached and reinforced. However, the Hayate was destined never to fly again.

It did fly after returning to Japan. It did suffer years of neglect after Mr.Gokan (the "first" Japanese buyer) died. Based on the Aero Detail #24 the wings were probably severed as late as early 1990's to make storage easier!! :uhoh :cry

You would've thought that in the 90s people would have realized what they had in their hands...  :(
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Offline Brooke

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Re: Last flying Ki-84
« Reply #13 on: August 19, 2014, 05:04:21 PM »
Thanks for the link.

Also, wow, what a great landing the P-51 pilot did with gear malfunction.
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Offline Rich46yo

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Re: Last flying Ki-84
« Reply #14 on: August 20, 2014, 03:47:40 PM »
Yeah, beautiful piece of film. Totally enjoyed it. :aok
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