Testors 1/48 P-47D-5 Thunderbolt

[B-17engineer]

Hi guys,

From Testors (I got the kit for 5 dollars) here is the P-47 Thunderbolt. It gives options for a razorback and bubbletop versions but, I bought resin pieces for a D-5 and decided that's what it'll be.

For markings I have not decided yet on a plane but the plane I decide to do will be more or less from the 405FG "Fat Cats" (509FS).

As you'll seen in my first two photos it's Testors idea of what the cockpit interior should look like so I've ordered True Details 1/48 Resin Set for P-47 C-10 thru D-5's. I've also ordered resin seats (I know...) and Resin wheels since Testors piss poor examples for wheels won't do.

The first two photos are the excuse for an interior

Second 2 are me removing ejector pin marks and filling with putty.

The final is my first attempt with an Aztek A470 airbrush. I love it I just need to get the hang of it.

Thanks for looking..

 

[Wurger]

A nice beginning Harry.

 

[B-17engineer]

Thanks! I forgot to mention I used the dremel because some of the ejector pin marks were a good half inch and no they were not the parts stick out where the cockpit rests on. Then used a jewlers file, a normal one, and fine sandpaper. I forgot to take a before kit.

Now I need to wait for my resin parts.

 

[Wurger]

I see. Very well.

 

[T Bolt]

That kit would be a good one to mess around with resin parts with as its pretty basic. I remember building it in 7th or 8th grade and thinking the Monogram kit was much more detailed. The big draw back then was that Testors offered the kit with realistic chrome plating that really looked great. Back then anyways

 

[B-17engineer]

Thanks Glenn, It'll be the first time I'm using resin so i'll be trying different things!

 

[T Bolt]

That looks like a good place to start Harrison. I'm pretty new to resin myself. I've done a lot of wheels and small parts included in limited run kits, but the XF-85 was my first full resin cockpit and it was much easer than I expected, Easier than a lot of stock plastic kit cockpits. Mostly a lot of careful painting. Just be careful when cutting, fileing or sanding the parts as the dust is bad if breathed in. I do all cutting and sanding with water or wile wearing a respirator.

 

[B-17engineer]

Ah thanks for the tip! Will use a mask then!

Will continue with this when the resin stuff arrives!

 

[Airframes]

Looks interesting H. Neat idea being able to build either the razorback or bubbletop from one kit. It's the sort of basic kit which can be turned into a real gem. Looking forward to the resin bits going in.

 

[dirkpitt289]

Looking good Harrison. I look forward to seeing how you do with the Resin parts.

 

[rochie]

great start Harrison

 

[Vic Balshaw]

Nice little kit H and I think you will enjoy the resin parts, the detail can be amazing and if you spend time on them you will get a champion result.

 

[B-17engineer]

Thanks guys! I only see problems with the wheels since the gear have one of the hubs already attached. This should be fun!

 

[Wayne Little]

Good work there Harrison!

 

[B-17engineer]

I'm going to change to a C version of the Thunderbolt and make it from the 56th FG 61st FS "Wolfpack" flown by Lt. Barnum in a plane named "Pistol Packin Mama."

 

[B-17engineer]

Ok here it is.

Some pictures I found on the 8th Air Force Fighter Groups Database Pistol Packin Mama and Cotton Chopper were on this plane. It was flown by Lt. Barnum and Coded HV-S

Aeromaster decals has these and I will buy them tonight.

 

[Airframes]

Nice pics H. I think I might have a pair of landing gear legs, from the Monogram P47, which might help your build. I'll have a search and let you know.

 

[B-17engineer]

If you could find then that'd be great! If not, a bunch of sanding to get the hubs off!

Today I cut the cowling flaps, did the drop tanks, and glued and sanded the spinner

The 1st picture shows the overflows of the spinner

2nd shows the finished spinner

3rd shows the days work.

 

[B-17engineer]

I sprayed the drop tanks aluminum but don't know if I should use them. Also, are the propellers black with yellow tips and black? Or just black?

Finally,

Is bottom gray or just OD all around?

 

[T Bolt]

As far as the prop, once in a great wile you'll see a picture of one that was just black, but the vast majority have yellow tips.

The color for a razorback should be OD upper and neutral gray bottom, with the exception of a few right before they switched to the bubble top that were left in natural metal finish.

I posted a few shots I took of the razorback at the Air Force Museum that might help.