1/32 P-47 Thunderbolt

[KSaarni]

So here we are on the
7th of February 2018

WIP post already started, even before a kit has been purchased...

Inspired a lot of Bruces (aka speedgraflex) interesting and exciting P-47 build, I have hereby decided of the my next 1/32 subject :
A P-47 ..

A number of question marks remain

Which version ? Razorback or Bubbletop ?
Which kit maker? Hasegawa (Eduard), Trumpeter or Revell ?
Markings ? US, French or some very exotic (depending on what decals available)
AM parts needed ?
Something else ?

A lot of decisions to be made. I will not rush with the decision, but will carefully check and plan the options.



- Kari

[Stikpusher]

As far as kits go, I’d suggest Hasegawa. Revell’s kit dates from the early 70’s or late 60’s and needs a good amount of help. I don’t think that Hasegawa does a Razorback, so that kind of narrows your choice on that point. As for markings, well there are SO MANY to choose from. But I really like the 56th Fighter Group as theirs ran the full gamut from basic OD over Neutral Gray, to NMF, to multiple one off field applied camo schemes.

[speedgraflex]

Subscribed!

[Jeeves]

As far as kits go, I’d suggest Hasegawa. Revell’s kit dates from the early 70’s or late 60’s and needs a good amount of help. I don’t think that Hasegawa does a Razorback, so that kind of narrows your choice on that point. As for markings, well there are SO MANY to choose from. But I really like the 56th Fighter Group as theirs ran the full gamut from basic OD over Neutral Gray, to NMF, to multiple one off field applied camo schemes.

Hairless Joe was one of my favorites from that FG

[Stikpusher]

Hairless Joe is a great subject. A field applied scheme using RAF colors over the factory NMF delivery scheme. Plus the personal, theater, and group markings make for a colorful combat aircraft. There are good period color photos of the actual aircraft on the internet.

[jkim]

Planning ahead eh? Given your captured Fw190, how about a Nazi Thunderbolt?

[KSaarni]

Thanks all for the ideas!

I started to study some background information of "Hairless Joe", as this plane was for me a new acquaintance. As it is seen as the most famous of them all, I feel a little bit embarrassed.. But hey, we all learn something new all the time!

Interesting story all in all. Perhaps too famous though for my humble build. Let's see.

John, I was also first thinking of a captured one, but I am not that fond of the camo, at least at this moment. Let's see.

Looking at the list of all the operators of P-47 in the 40's, 50's and even early 60's, I had thought I would find much more decal possibilities. But for the 1/32 that is not really the case...


Anyhow, the search continues...

- Kari

[speedgraflex]

Hi Kari!

Have you decided on Bubbletop or Razorback yet?

“Angie,” stationed in Belgium during the war, is a famous “Bubbletop,” with challenging finish. She was repaired with a Razorback wing, and her nose art was painted on another cowling then added to her. Barracuda Cal Decals (Roy Sutherland) makes decals in 1/32.




http://www.512thfightersquadron.com/l3-o.htm

[KSaarni]

Hi Bruce,

And thanks for the suggestion, indeed, a very interesting = challenging finish.

I am leaning towards the bubbletop, I like the big, chunky canopy!

- Kari

[speedgraflex]

The Sutherland decal sheet has two birds on it, “Angie” and “Anne.” I found some recce intel on the base:

http://www.forgottenairfields.com/belgi ... -s101.html