The Little World

I often wondered about why the WWII Allied command code-named the Japanese aircraft in the way they did. So I analysed the names – ZEKE, RUFE, BABS, BETTY, TOJO, NATE, CLAUDE, etc. and here’s my conclusion, unsupported by any research…

a. The names are short. They needed to be to be spoken or telegraphed quickly.

b. The names are not related to numbers. We all think we know the Mitsubishi A6M as a “Zero ” but that’s popular misconception. The proper Allied code name was ZEKE. Zero is a number and would have confused reports of range or formations.

c. The names are memorable…but not in a formal way. BABS is a nickname, as is KATE or VAL. Not respectful or inspiring.

d. The names – with the exception of TOJO – are not oriental. They convert the strange to the familiar.

e. The names with multiple syllables denote multiple engines on the planes. Think of it; DINAH, BETTY, EMILY…

Mind you, this is all speculation. It could have been just a couple of army officers getting drunk one night in Washington and typing out a memo.

But here is the Hobby Boss A5M-2 from the bargain shelf of the hobby shop. A suitably colourful box inspiring the encouraging thought that it needs only three pots of paint to complete. And the pleasant surprise on the colour call-out that there is a camouflaged version – presumably an army type. And a little mystery on the decal sheet as well…

The box is a shake-out kit, though you’ll notice that the Chinese factory is not as concerned with plastic bag pollution as you local Coles or Woolies. And look at the way they have moulded the basic airframe – I defy you to get the dihedral or tailplane geometry wrong on this kit. I will also be very surprised if there is any need for putty. It is not the sort of model that calls for any great constructional skill.

Ah, but the painting will be the go. If I build it Navy I will have to decide whether to paint the tail and side stripes before the silver or whether to do it the other way round. The Army type looks like it is light grey on the underside. I think it will be a case of some google research ( GR ) to see just what was the go.