1/48 Monogram P-47D Thunderbolt 

(226418/HV-A)

 56TH FG, 61ST FS, 8TH AF, Boxted, England

by Polly Singh

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This is my attempt at the big beautiful ‘Jug’ and who else to model it on but the great Francis Gabreski of Zemke’s Wolf pack fame (One day I’ll have all the aces in 1/48).  The kit came in co -56th FG fighter pilot Don Schilling’s ‘Hairy Joe’ markings.  After building the model in those markings I was gifted these decals by friend Philip Camp. So I sprayed some ‘easy off’ on the whole model wiped off the paint under the tap and began again.  

I believe there are some errors in the markings coz when the 28th kill was painted the D-day stripes had been removed from above the wing.  The decals came from Czech company Tech Mod and I have painted the camo scheme as per their drawings.  The scheme appears wrong on the starboard fuselage but believe me that’s how it was marked in the instruction sheet.  

Pardon my oft used diorama base, but it works for me.  The pilot is from Monograms P-51D ‘Detroit Miss’ with his arm positioned to look as if he’s opening/closing the hood. 

The camo was painted freehand with minor scuffing on the wing walks and canopy area.  My 5 yr old daughter’s crayons were filched to weather the aircraft.  Overall a simple pleasurable kit.

Polly

Photos and text © by Polly Singh