Tora, Tora, Tora Aircraft Identities

[Steven M. Dennis]

Hi everybody,

I'm sure I saw a list of all of the birds used in the filming of this movie before, but I can't find it anywhere. Does anyone have it, or know where I can find it? Mike Henniger, my good friend, you're usually up on this stuff, any ideas?

Thanks for your help, and have a GREAT day!

Steve

[mrhenniger]

If you can give me a day or so, I'll put a list together of the Harvards, Texans and Valiants used in the filming. I'll ask Scott if he can add it to the downloads section. This way we can get the WIX community to take a look at it and provide current markings, current IDs, general updates, etc.

Mike

[Steven M. Dennis]

Thanks Mike,

I figured you would be the guy to know. No rush on it, just whenever you get some spare time.....ha, ha, ha.

Steve

[Dan K]

Now Mike, just where DID you get all those Tora id's? I seem to recall it was someone on the WIX? Ah...ahem...hmmm...now who could it have been?

Just proves again that any and all warbird questions can utlimately be answered by this forum!

[mrhenniger]

Yes Mr. Dan you sure do deserve some credit there. Tracey Smiley also provided me with a list that matched C/R's, C/N/s and relatively recent markings. I'll take a stab a making the list with the most recent info I have, and perhaps others here can provide updates.

Mike

[Warbirdnerd]

I believe Steven and I are going to be working the flight line at the Red Wing Airshow at the end of the month and should be able to get shots of all the current markings for the Tora Tora Tora Birds.
Bryan

[RyanShort1]

Since we're on the topic of the Tora replicas, do any of you know of any drawings (like 3-views, etc...) of them? I've thought of doing a model of the Kate replicas sometime.

Ryan

[Steven M. Dennis]

Thanks everybody for the help that you have offered. And yes, Bryan (a.k.a. Warbirdnerd), I hope we do get a chance to get some good photos of the aircraft used in the CAF's Tora act at Red Wing.

I am also wondering about the aircraft that are no longer doing the Tora act, such as the BT-13 at the March Field Museum (see link below), does anybody know if that aircraft is still there? It was supposedly marked with the tail codes "BI-211" at one time, but I saw a "Val" at the Willow Run show last year (N56867) with that same tail code. Same aircraft, new owner? Or was that code put on more than one "Tora Val"?

Thanks for your input.

Steve

http://www.marchfield.org/bt13jap.htm

[Gregory]

Perhaps the Tora Tora Tora aircraft ID list could be uploaded to the WRG website as was done some time ago with the Soplata collection list. This would ensure that the effort becomes a permanent resource for all, further enhancing the value of this great site.

Just my two liras,

Gregory

[Steven M. Dennis]

Gregory,

Great minds think alike! (Meaning your's and Mike Henniger's .) As I believe that is what Mike intends to do when he gets time.

I eagerly await the list.

Have a GREAT day!

Steve

[mrhenniger]

Patience... patience...

I'll have a rough draft ready later today, and will give it to Scott to post like the Soplata list I gave him. Perhaps we can all work together to add details like the latest markings, etc.

Mike

[mrhenniger]

I completed the first draft yesterday and emailed it to Scott. We all know Scott is a busy guy, but I am sure he will post it soon.

I am looking forward to your comments and contributions. I meant to take the list home last night and go through my photos, but I forgot. I wanted to look-up the most recent markings and put these in the list.

BTW... The list is intended to be a "Where are they now?" list. I tried to make it as current as possible, and it is a work in progress. So if you have anything to add when you see the list let me know.

Mike

[Steven M. Dennis]

Thanks Mike!

I appreciate all of your effort, and will keep my eyes peeled for it.

Have a GREAT day!

Steve

[mrhenniger]

Scott has been a little busy lately. I can email a copy of the second draft to those that are interested. Post here or send an email to mrhenniger@hotmail.com

I assume that Steve and Dan would like a copy.

BTW... I don't have your email Gregory.

I'll send it out later today.

Regards,

Mike

[Steven M. Dennis]

Thanks Mike!!!!!

I appreciate all of your research.

When you get a chance, go ahead and send it over. I think you've got my e-mail address.

Have a GREAT weekend!

Steve