P-47D "Ol' Steel Butt"

[494thFS]

Hey guys,

My local IPMS is doing an Idaho theme build and a buddy of mine is doing P-47D-20-RE, 42-76468, coded UN-R. The left side of the cowl has the name "Ol' Steel Butt" with artwork of Bugs Bunny carrying a sword and shield, while the left has a painting of Idaho. This a/c was asssigned to Lt. John Aranyos of the 63rd Fighter Squadron, 56th Fighter Group. What I'm looking for are reference photos. I found one on p.65 of "Aces and Wingmen II, Volume 2". The photo is great, but I was wondering if there are any more out there that you know of. Any help will be much appreciated. Thanks!

Here's a link to the decal sheet: Superscale 48-841: P-47D Thunderbolt

 

[ThunderThud]

Well here is a pic of the pilot Lt.John A Aranyos!

 

[fly boy]

and thunder do you know who that pilot on your avitar is

 

[Wurger]

The pilot in TT's avatar is Colonel Francis "Gabby" Gabreski.Here three links if you need.Other sites on him you can find when Googling.

Gabby Gabreski - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Francis S. Gabby Gabreski
http://www.18thfwa.org/whosWho/FrancisGabreski/FrancisGabreski.html

 

[ThunderThud]

Hey Fly Boy as a matter of fact i do and i met the man 3 times in my life and also have his autograph in 3 of my books!8) 8) 8)

 

[ThunderThud]

If you still need the info i found these in the book pictured .Now the last one thats a "steel butt"

 

[Wurger]

Nice TT. I like the last art.

 

[Aaron Brooks Wolters]

I love those aircraft. They were tougher than nails and packed one hell of a PUNCH.

 

[Aaron Brooks Wolters]

You might try 8th Air Force Fighter Group - Littlefriends.co.uk The website lists squadrons and has a large photo gallery with descriptions and history.

 

[saranyos69]

That's my Grandfather and he has a heck of a lot of good stories being in Zemke's Wolfpack.

 

[Messy1]

That's my Grandfather and he has a heck of a lot of good stories being in Zemke's Wolfpack.

To have access to someone who has personally viewed so much history much really be something. You must be very proud of your grandfather. Tell him thanks for his service!

 

[painter]

The plane was originally gonna be called "old iron Ass"because of Lt.John Aranyos last name ,sound a little like old iron ass.The military wouldnt let him so he named it old steel butt.Lt.John Aranyos just passed away two days ago at the age of 88.God bless his soul.