1/48 Tamiya P-47 D2 Thunderbolt - Zirkus Rosarius

Gallery Article by Tolga ULGUR on Dec 11 2009

 

This is 1/48 Tamiya P-47 D2 Thunderbolt finished with the markings of  Zirkus Rosarius.  This special unit of the Luftwaffe, also known as the "Wanderzirkus Rosarius", was in charge of testing captured British and American aircraft which were all repainted in German markings. 

This unit was formed by Theodor Rosarius in 1943 and was part of the 2./Versuchsverband Ob.d.L..  The Zirkus also toured operational airfields showing Luftwaffe pilots the captured aircraft and training them in techniques to counter these aircraft.

Click on images below to see larger images

  

  

  

This P-47 D2 s/n 42-22490 formerly belonging to the 358th FS, 335th FG had been piloted by Lt. William Roach who mistakenly confused a French airfield with one in Southern England and had landed at Caen. This aircraft was captured in November 1943 and delivered to the Rechlin experimental center.  Later after receiving a thorough overhaul it was delivered to the Rosarius Zirkus.  The original American paint scheme was replaced by Luftwaffe camouflage and the code T9 + FK applied. 

The construction started with the cockpit as usual.  The cockpit components are painted to “Republic Company cockpit green” by using Gunze acrylic paint .

Instrument panel and seatbelts are from Eduard  PE sets.  I also added Tally Ho metal gunsight  Tamiya Razorback kit converted to D2 version by using Loon Models Early P-47 Cowl Flaps set.  Painting was done with Gunze Sangyo acrylics.  Upper surfaces are painted to RLM 74 and the lower surfaces to RLM 04 yellow.
 
Cutting Edge CED48256 Zirkus Rosarius –Special Missions Part 1 set is used for the decals.  Wheels are replaced by “Ultracast Covered wheels with diamond tread”

After some weathering it s finished by applying a matt coat from Gunze Sangyo. 
*Reference: On special Missions – Luftwaffe’s Research and Experimental Squadrons 1923-1945 ( R.Smith , E Creek, P Petrick - Ian Allan publishing) 
Happy Modelling 
Tolga ULGUR

Click on images below to see larger images

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

Photos and text © by Tolga ULGUR