SPA Modeler

I first read Robert Johnson’s autobiography when I was in grade school, probably when I was around 9 or 10 years old. One incident in his story always stuck in my mind and that was his near fatal mission of June 26 1943. On that sortie his aircraft “Half Pint” was badly shot up by FW-190s of JG-26 during a bomber escort mission. His description of the ordeal in the book has had me wanting to build a model that P-47 of his one day, but it was a P-47C, and nobody at the time was making kits of the P-47C, only D’s, M’s, & N’s. But then SuperScale Decals released a set of decals for all of Johnson’s P-47s, and Cutting Edge released a P-47C conversion cowling for the Hasegawa P-47D Razorback. I bought all of the above and eventually started the project, but then it was sidelined when I encountered some warping on the fuselage where it connected to the lower wing behind the engine. So it sat for many years on the shelf of doom until I recently decided to do knuckle down and finish this one up, no matter what.
Without further elaboration, here is my build of “Half Pint”, as it would have looked, before setting out on that June B-17 escort mission.

































Decals are SuperScale, paints used are primarily AK Real Colors and Tamiya Acrylics.

Thanks for looking, comments and critiques are welcome

Great save from the shelf of doom. I do love a razor back and the markings on this one are interesting. Interior looks great and the finish is awesome - great weathering. Great back story.

Robert approves

Why’s it called “Half Pint?” Is that slang? Too lazy by half to look it up, but I’ll say this: “It may be called ‘Half Pint,’ but it’s ’Full Modeling Greatness!’” Well done, Carlos! B-E-A-U-T-I-F-U-L build!

BRAVO

That's a first class build Carlos - there aren't enough superlatives. What was the book you read that inspired it?

I love the P-47, but I have to admit that I don't know the differences between a C and a D, I'll have to look them up.

It really is about time I built another one, I have Goodson's 'Tulmult in the Sky' about the Eagle Squadrons and the Fourth Fighter Group. I'd like to do his or Blakeslee's P-47, and Vic Frances P-51.

An Amazing build Carlos!



So many tasty details in that build.

Can just agree with the gentlemen John, Bruce and Stuart.


- Kari

John, Bruce, Stuart, and Kari, thank you all!

keavdog wrote: ↑Wed Sep 02, 2026 12:04 pm Great save from the shelf of doom. I do love a razor back and the markings on this one are interesting. Interior looks great and the finish is awesome - great weathering. Great back story.

Robert approves

The backstory is much more involved than my brief description. I’ll see if I can find a link somewhere to give it the justice it deserves.

speedgraflex wrote: ↑Wed Sep 02, 2026 12:24 pm Why’s it called “Half Pint?” Is that slang? Too lazy by half to look it up, but I’ll say this: “It may be called ‘Half Pint,’ but it’s ’Full Modeling Greatness!’” Well done, Carlos! B-E-A-U-T-I-F-U-L build!

BRAVO

I have no idea how or why he chose the name Half Pint for this aircraft. A SWAG on my part says it might be due to the code letters of HV P. The nose art is a “Lil Abner” character…. His next couple of mounts where he would score most of his victories before being rotated Stateside would be name “Lucky”. Again a SWAG on my part says that is due to this incident.

Stuart wrote: ↑Wed Sep 02, 2026 12:53 pm That's a first class build Carlos - there aren't enough superlatives. What was the book you read that inspired it?

I love the P-47, but I have to admit that I don't know the differences between a C and a D, I'll have to look them up.

It really is about time I built another one, I have Goodson's 'Tulmult in the Sky' about the Eagle Squadrons and the Fourth Fighter Group. I'd like to do his or Blakeslee's P-47, and Vic Frances P-51.

The book is titled “Thunderbolt” and it was co written with Martin Caiden, who authored or co authored many similar books in the 60’s & 70’s. Externally there are few differences between a C and a Razorback D. The biggest difference visually is the cowl flaps, with the C having fewer. The C also initially had no wing pylons. The C would be retrofitted with the bulged belly to allow for drop tanks to be carried. Most of the other changes to the D were internal. Later D razorbacks would introduce wider “paddle blade” propellers to take advantage of greater engine horsepower.

KSaarni wrote: ↑Wed Sep 02, 2026 1:31 pm An Amazing build Carlos!



So many tasty details in that build.

Can just agree with the gentlemen John, Bruce and Stuart.


- Kari

The details are the fun stuff

Nice Jug! Well done!

Stikpusher wrote: ↑Wed Sep 02, 2026 2:02 pm
The book is titled “Thunderbolt” and it was co written with Martin Caiden, who authored or co authored many similar books in the 60’s & 70’s. Externally there are few differences between a C and a Razorback D. The biggest difference visually is the cowl flaps, with the C having fewer. The C also initially had no wing pylons. The C would be retrofitted with the bulged belly to allow for drop tanks to be carried. Most of the other changes to the D were internal. Later D razorbacks would introduce wider “paddle blade” propellers to take advantage of greater engine horsepower.

Thanks for the info Carlos - I now have this winging it's way to me from your fair side of the pond - a 1958 print, I'm a sucker for old books.

I really DO need to get a kit.

Good for you Stuart! I think that you’ll enjoy his story. I actually found the book in paperback at the PX when I was on active duty in the Army. Of course I bought it and still have it to this day. Haven’t read it in many years. I think perhaps I should again.

BlackSheep214 wrote: ↑Wed Sep 02, 2026 4:03 pm Nice Jug! Well done!

Thank you Tom!