Re: Photo Nieuport
 

Very nice photo Clint

Showing the 83rd aircraft built by the Arsenal at Tokyo late 1922.
Since the aircraft looks extremely fresh, I would say it is possibly right outside the manufacturer's premises.

There is another one here
https://www.ebay.com/itm/u9-Imperial....c100047.m2108

Beside 13 imported in 1918-19 (initially using their French SFA numbers, but reserialled as No 1 - 13), two state companies, plus Nakajima, licence built the type (295 in all)

This was the first true fighter the Japanese Army had.
As soon as the import/licence production of the Nieuport 29 got into full swing I presume the Kô-3 was transferred to advanced training units.

Cheers
Stig

Re: Photo Nieuport
 

Hi Stig,


Thanks for the additional photo and particularly the additional information. I take it that the number 5 of the 583 identifies the aircraft as built by Tokyo Arsenal as the 83 element in the numbering appears straightforward?


Mikesh and Abe say the Ko-3 was replaced by the Nieuport 29, (Army Type Ko-4 in 1926.


Regards,


Clint

Re: Photo Nieuport
 

Hi Clint

Arsenal - Tokorozawa s/n 14 - 61 (1919-1921)
Arsenal - Tokyo: s/n 501 - 645 (1920-1924)
Nakajima: s/n 1001 - 1102 (1921-1923)

The import of 110 Nieuport 29 began in late 1922 and since Nakajima was the main license builder of the Kô-4 (608 built) I presume their production replaced the Kô-3 in 1923. The later type basically replaced all other fighters, beside the Kô-3 also the SPADs in use.

Not sure why Abe/Mikesh state 1926 so specifically, but perhaps that was the year when the Kô-4 was in use by more than 50% of the front line units?

Cheers
Stig

Re: Photo Nieuport
 

Hello,


Currently on ebay are two photos of an Italian Nieuport 11 Ni 3285 at :


https://www.ebay.it/itm/Album-Foto-P...UAAOSwLTZfc5Uk




Unless two different machines are shown, its a little difficult to be certain with the reversed negative in the second photo.


Regards,


Clint

Re: Photo Nieuport
 

Clint

Both show the same aircraft with the first scan slightly better.
Also your fingers seem to have danced jitterbug last night....:), since if you look again it is Ni 3285

Cheers
Stig

Re: Photo Nieuport
 

Hi Stig,


Annoyingly I wrote Ni 3285 in my spreadsheet too :o


I'll correct it in the original post.


Regards,


Clint

Re: Photo Nieuport
 

Hello,


Currently on ebay is a photo of Nieuport 10 N 638 at:


https://www.ebay.fr/itm/Photo-30e-RI...kAAOSw7JtfhCsF


Regards,


Clint

Re: Photo Nieuport
 

Hello,


Currently on delcampe is a photo of a Nieuport 14 at:


https://www.delcampe.net/fr/collecti...111438607.html


Alas, the serial is slightly out of focus N3965 perhaps?


Regards,


Clint

Re: Photo Nieuport
 

Clint

I think this "soft focus" (as one seller called it) photo belongs to a series of shots taken of N3563 (agreed my own interpretation)

That photo was also sold by Delcamp
Both these photos display exactly the same 'Nieuport Biplace' text in the bottom right corner and the aircraft is on exactly the same "half wet" grass and also have two crew members inside.

Could be a co-incidence, but feels unlikely

Cheers
Stig

Re: Photo Nieuport
 

Clint

I am pretty sure this is a photo of Cole Palen's "replica" of N.6164 which he had ca late 1950s - early 1960s (said to incorporate most part of an unknown original aircraft taken to USA)

I have an almost exact look-a-like shot in an old Profile Publications (number 79 last page) and every small detail is there.

Campbell's original white 10 is said to have had a cowling with 'black and red triangles' painted on it.

Cheers
Stig