The planespotting thread titled Japanese Merlins got the mind spinning ...

[jcf]

so What If? the UK and Japan had stayed on good terms through the 30s and the Japanese had received license rights for British engines, including the Merlin, rather than the D-B?

So how about a Merlin engined K i 61?

Here is a real quickie graphic, I used a P-51D front-end rather than a Spit or Hurricane because it flows better.




Jon

[Daryl J.]

Somehow, seeing Dago Red and Strega markings on this with a Reno worthy bubble top...................

[nev]

Someone did a profile a while back of an IJA Spitfire based upon a (real) Japanese request for Spitfire pre-war.

[sequoiaranger]

The Fiat G-59, a G-55 with a post-war Merlin engine, was a real beauty, and was going to be a "whif" for me until THE GREAT PURGE of models last year.

But there is a lot of potential for Comets (Suisei) and Swallows (Hein) with the Merlin look.

**DARE** we put a Merlin on a Zero?? 

[jcf]

**DARE** we put a Merlin on a Zero?? 

No.   

[Captain Canada]

Very nice, Jon. I think it would look even better with a Malcolm hood !

[B777LR]

**DARE** we put a Merlin on a Zero?? 

Send me a Zero kit and a Spitfire front end, and i will dare...