**** DONE: GB-56 1/72 XP-72 - Thunderbolts and Lightnings

Ad: This forum contains affiliate links to products on Amazon and eBay. More information in Terms and rules

T Bolt

Colonel
13,273
2,989
Mar 24, 2010
Chicago, Illinois
User Name: T Bolt
Name: Glenn
Category: Advanced
Kit: Revell 1/72 P-47M Thunderbolt
Scale: 1/72nd
Accessories: Fastrodney resin conversion kit and home made decals for the tail fin.


The XP-72 was a development of the P-47 Thunderbolt. It was the first fighter to be designed around the 28-cylinger Pratt & Whitney R-4360 Wasp Major and was to have a six-bladed Aeroproducts contrarotating propeller. Two prototypes were constructed, 43-6598 and 43-6599

Because delivery of the Aeroproducts propeller was delayed, the first XP-72 was equipped with a single four-bladed prop as a temporary measure. During test flights a speed of 490 mph was reached.

The second prototype was the first to be fitted with the contrarotating props, but unfortunately was written off in a takeoff crash in an early test flight although it was expected to have a top speed in excess of 500 mph with the contrarotating propellers, so an order of 100 production aircraft was placed.

By this time the war rapidly coming to an end and the jet age was looming so the P-72 order was cancelled and the remaining prototype scrapped.

 
Here's a look at the Revell sprues and a closer look at the Resin conversion parts

I'll only be using about half the parts in the third picture and only the clear parts in the fourth




The resin looks a bit rough and I will have to source prop blades if I build the one with counterrotating props.



I started a bit of painting, spraying the cockpit parts the bronze green color. and will post pictures when I get a bit more done on it.
 
Last edited:
I worked onna 1/24th P-51B I think was a Revell, fits were sorta okay.
Knowing now I wonder if it's just removing the parts too soon from the molds.
Molds wearing from too soft dies? A conundrum. They sure test your medal!
You shall overcome!
 
Last edited:
I finished painting and assembling the cockpit and glued the fuselage halves together. I think the cockpit detail is more than enough for what can be seen in this scale. Next I will start slicing the lower fuselage apart to take the resin part.

 

Users who are viewing this thread