Thunderbolt Part II

The Thunderbolt is ready for primer and paint. The major & sub assemblies are completed and airbrushed with Gunze Mr. Surfacer 1200. I cannot stress enough the value of a good, smooth & level primer base. I thin to a very high ratio of thinner (lacquer) to primer, just about the consistency to skim milk.

Spot checking with 2400/4000/12000 grit sanding sticks, all looks good for the upcoming paint layers. My attention turned to the wheel wheels, with a cote of Tamiya XK-4 yellow green. With XF-4 still in my airbrush I added some yellow to the mix for the bands on the 500 lb. bombs. After the yellow band airbrushed I cut a thin piece of FrogTape Delicate Surface tape to cover the yellow.

Then I airbrush Tamiya olive Drab with a bit of Flat green in the mix for the OD paint on the bombs.

Tamiya 1/48 P-47D Thunderbolt

In May 1941, as the war raged in Europe, a single-engine fighter of more than 4t made its first flight. This fighter was the XP-47B, prototype of the Republic P-47 Thunderbolt of which a total of 15683 units will be built. Thanks to war experience, this aircraft was equipped with a 2000hp radial R-2800 engine, a supercharger and eight 12,7mm machine-guns. The XP-47B was to reach 633km/h and in January 1942, just after the USA went to war, the production of P-47B began. It was followed by the P-47C that incorporated various improvements and, from April 1943, by the P-47D, the most built version. The P-47D was equipped with an R-2800-59 engine, which can develop up to 2300hp with combat emergency water injection system engaged. The ducts that were passing on the sides and below the cockpit to connect the supercharger placed behind the pilot's seat gave to this plane its massive aspect. Many sub-types of the P-47D, designated D-1 to D-40, were produced but the first versions were called "Razorback" because of their sharp edge dorsal fin. The D-25 sub-type, which was introduced around June 1944, was fitted with an electrically actuated bubble canopy in order to improve pilot visibility and increased capacity fuel tanks. This decision resulted in a completely remodeled plane shape. All subsequent sub-types were also fitted with the bubble canopy and became a characteristic feature of late production Thunderbolts. The P-47 "Bubbletop" proved to be an excellent, well-balanced fighter-bomber.

I decided to clean out my model room and I found this kit half started undernight some of my more recent projects. I first started with a cote of Modelmasters metalizer alluminum for the overcoat of intreior bronze green. I couldn't find the right color so I opted for Gunze H340 Field Green (semi-gloss). I wish more manufactures (cough...Tamiya) would produce semi-glass paint strait out of the bottle. So much easier to work with.

The only photoetch are the seatbelts stolen from annother jug project gone wrong and the side map-case cover.

Chipped with a toothpick and stiff bush the details were picked out with Vallejo paint and given a  wash of various grey/brown enamel washes.

The instrument panel dial decals were punched out and a drop of future clear floor wax used to replicate the glass.