**** DONE: GB-56 1/48 P-47C - Thunderbolts and Lightning

[Donivanp]

Username : donivanp
First name : Don
Category : intermediate
Scale : 1/48
Manufacturer / Model : Tamiya P-47D Razor back/Lone Star Models P-47C conversion
Extras: Aber gun

More to follow, but using Tamiya's excellent P-47DRE-25 Razorback and Lone Star Models P-47C conversion which comes with a most excellent set of decals I shall attempt to preform the near impossible feat of finishing a kit!!!!

 

[Donivanp]

The kit

Lone Star Models conversion

 

[Crimea_River]

I shall attempt to preform the near impossible feat of finishing a kit!!!!

Well, maybe try entering just ONE kit for a change! I like your choice though.

 

[Donivanp]

Well, maybe try entering just ONE kit for a change! I like your choice though.

Really, what fun is there in that? I do have a second one in the wings if this one goes well!

 

[Ralph Haus]

Good that you have a unique set of decals. Since this is the same kit that I have waiting at my HS for pickup I wouldn't want these entries to get mixed up! Myself, building OoB. Not sure if I'm going with the 61st FS (A); that wrap around nose decal looks intimidating! Or (B) the 69th FS? Kind of liking the yellow touch on the canopy.

 

[Donivanp]

Well now more of the down to it, my intended subject is to be P-47C-5-RE 41-6547 flown by Capt Eugene W. O'Neill. This aircraft flew under several different names by O'Neill it was Torchy/L'il Abner and had a couple of different art works.
From Eugene W O'Neill Jr. | American Air Museum in Britain
Joined the Army Air Corp in April of 1941. Member of the famed 56FG, "Zemke's Wolf Pack", 62nd PS Dog Patch B Flight Leader. Awarded Silver Star, 3 Distinguished Flying Crosses, and Four Air Medals. During 20 years of service held various command and staff positions at Headquarters USAAF; Caribbean Air Command, Lima Peru. Tactical Air Command, Langley, AFB. Base Commander USAF Europe, Chaumont, France.
NationalityAmerican
Service numbersO-432203
Highest rankColonel
Role/jobFighter Pilot
Awards

• Air Medal with 4 oak leaf clusters
• Distinguished Flying Cross
• Silver Star

From P-47C Thunderbolt Razorback code LM-O, 41-6347 "Torchy" of the 62nd FS, 56th Fighter Group. Pilot Capt Eugene O'Neill, 1943 | World War Photos

 

[Donivanp]

62FS Photos from Home | American Air Museum in Britain

 

[Donivanp]

Information from

Veteran Tributes

Colonel O-6, U.S. Air Force​

Veteran of:

U.S. Army Air Corps 1941 U.S. Army Air Forces 1941-1947 U.S. Air Force Reserve 1947-1951 U.S. Air Force 1951-1964 World War II 1941-1945 Cold War 1945-1964​

Gene O'Neill was born on February 10, 1919, in Jersey City, New Jersey. He enlisted in the Aviation Cadet Program of the U.S. Army Air Corps on April 25, 1941, and was commissioned a 2d Lt and awarded his pilot wings at Victoria, Texas, on December 12, 1941. Lt O'Neill then joined the 62nd Pursuit Squadron of the 56th Pursuit Group (later renamed Fighter Squadron and Fighter Group) in December 1941, and deployed with the group to England flying the P-47 Thunderbolt in January 1943. He flew 87 combat missions and was credited with the destruction of 5 enemy aircraft in aerial combat before returning to the U.S. in April 1944. Capt O'Neill served as a staff officer with 1st Air Force and in the Pentagon until leaving active duty and joining the Air Force Reserve on May 7, 1947. He was recalled to active duty on January 10, 1951, and after completing Air Command and Staff School and Army Language School, he served as a Tactical Advisor to the Peruvian Air Force from August 1952 to April 1956. Col O'Neill served on the staff at Langley AFB, Virginia, from July 1956 to June 1961, and then served as commander of the 7135th School Group at Lindsey AS, West Germany, from June 1961 to September 1962. He was commander of the 7366th Combat Support Group at Chaumont AB, France, from November 1962 to August 1964, followed by service as commander of the 19th Combat Support Group at Homestead AFB, Florida, from September 1964 until his retirement from the Air Force on December 31, 1964. Col O'Neill wore Command Pilot Wings and accumulated over 4,000 flying hours during his Air Force career. Gene O'Neill died on August 30, 1998, and was buried at Arlington National Cemetery.

His Silver Star Citation reads:

For gallantry in action, while leading a Flight of P-47 fighter aircraft furnishing support for bombers withdrawing from a mission over Germany, 26 November 1943. As rendezvous was made with the bombers, a large force of rocket-carrying aircraft were observed preparing to attack the formation. In a furious aerial battle which ensued, Captain O'Neill engaged and destroyed one of the enemy planes, pressing his attack so close that pieces of the disintegrating plane damaged his own aircraft, knocking off a portion of the wing tip and damaging the tail assembly. In spite of this, Captain O'Neill, thinking only of the safety of the bombers, attacked and destroyed another enemy fighter that was vigorously attacking a straggling bomber. The gallantry, aggressive fighting spirit and exceptional skill displayed by Captain O'Neill contributed in a large measure to the successful withdrawal of the bomber formation.

 

[Vic Balshaw]

Oh my what a great lot of info and bits for this one Don, great stuff and as it so happens, should I get round to an entry in the GB this is one of the kits on my list.

 

[T Bolt]

Good one Don

 

[Crimea_River]

Looks like you have a few reference pics.

 

[Gnomey]

Good work so far!

 

[le_steph40]

 

[Donivanp]

Good that you have a unique set of decals. Since this is the same kit that I have waiting at my HS for pickup I wouldn't want these entries to get mixed up! Myself, building OoB. Not sure if I'm going with the 61st FS (A); that wrap around nose decal looks intimidating! Or (B) the 69th FS? Kind of liking the yellow touch on the canopy.

You planing on doing the "D" razorback? OOB?

 

[Ralph Haus]

You planing on doing the "D" razorback? OOB?

Yes. Same Tamiya kit, 60769, that you are starting with. Still uncertain on scheme? Probably will choose the low armament count option?

 

[Wurger]

HV-V ...

the source: 42-76179 | American Air Museum in Britain

A23 ...

the source: Republic P-47D-15 of the 58th FG

 

[SaparotRob]

I know it has a lot of power but looking at those pictures, it amazes me P-47s could get airborne.

 

[Donivanp]

Yes. Same Tamiya kit, 60769, that you are starting with. Still uncertain on scheme? Probably will choose the low armament count option?

View attachment 692903
View attachment 692902

I'm converting it(backdating) to a "C" model! I guess this is the number 1 kit in 1/48 if you want a D Razorback. If you want a bubble top the D or M (I'd recommend the M (as it will do near any bubble top) for the D and M. Revell and Academy do the N as well as D Razorback and bubble tops for 1/48. Mine will be 62FS/56FG.

 

[Donivanp]

I know it has a lot of power but looking at those pictures, it amazes me P-47s could get airborne.

P&W will do it every time. R2800 @ 2000 HP!

 

[Totalize]

Don, your scaring me. This is the same kit I am planning for this group build. We both did/doing the Tamiya P-38 on the last GB. Great minds think alike!