1/48 P-47D, Lt Frank Oiler 84th FS, 78th FG Group Build

[fatboris]

Username: fatboris
Name: Eric
CategoryBeginner
Model: P-47D Thunderbolt "Eileen"
Scale: 1:48
Manufacturer: Academy
Aftermarket add ons: None planned, scratchbuild replacements for what I break

I've wanted to build a Thunderbolt but didn't know which I wanted to build. I really like the noseart on this one. Looking forward to the cowling decal.

 

[vikingBerserker]

Very cool Eric, I'm looking forward to it.

 

[Airframes]

Nice to have you on board Eric, and that's a very nice kit. I've had one sitting almost finished, in a NMF from the 78th FG.
Looking forward to your progress.

 

[Vic Balshaw]

Good on ya Eric, a gallant late starter. Nice selection as well, a very sturdy mount.

 

[Crimea_River]

Nice one Eric.

 

[rochie]

great choice Eric

 

[ozhawk40]

Welcome Eric - Looks good, the choice of subject is going to make an interesting build.

Cheers

Peter

 

[Wurger]

A very nice choice. I've assumed it was for the current GB thread.Therefore I have changed a little bit the title of the post and made it sticky.

 

[Wayne Little]

Get into it then!

 

[fatboris]

Dug in hard tonight, cockpit is coming together. I'm obviously pressed for time with the deadline coming up quick. Good news is, no travel 2 of the next 3 weeks for me and the wife and kids leave for NM for 5 days starting Thursday. Have the whole weekend to work.

 

[Wayne Little]

You got till the end of May mate, so dont rush!

 

[Wurger]

Yep..I agree with Wayne.

 

[fatboris]

Would the stripes in the pic I have be proper or do I need full blown invasion stripes? I'm going to give it a shot to paint them on but if it doesn't turn out I may need to fall back on the decals that came with the kit.

Interesting stuff while doing the research. Republic used dark green for cockpit but when field would touchup/repaint, they would use the willow interior green so it's possible to have dual color cockpits. Also, P-47's were often shipped over with bare aluminum, logic being it was faster. So when camo was applied it was done in Britain and therefore using RAF paint. Now I have to decide how I want to do cockpit, I may do a mismatch...decisions, decisions.

 

[Wayne Little]

The picture indicates only the fuselage stripes, so it would be well after D-Day...with all other stripes removed or overpainted.

Do the cockpit in Dark Dull Green and then do some touch up areas...it's your model do what you are happy with...

 

[Airframes]

As far as I know, the 78th FG's 'bubbletops' were originally in bare metal, and re-painted in RAF Dark Green and Medium Sea Grey. However, early examples were in OD and NG finish. You'd need to check references for the particualr aircraft, but I think this one was in the RAF paint finish.

 

[fatboris]

Here's the cockpit...time for gluein'

 

[fatboris]

Paint color on the landing gear looks RAF, no? If that's the case, I think I'm safe assuming the upper is RAF green as well. Things are starting to come along now, more pics this weekend.

 

[vikingBerserker]

Nicely done!!

 

[tonyb]

Cracking good job so far mate.8)
I love how u get that aged effect on the 'metal' ,incredible!
Cheers,
Tony.

 

[Airframes]

A bit difficult to tell from that pic, but the tones look more like RAF Dark Green than Olive Drab.