Warbird Information Exchange

Hoping to get this one wrapped up shortly. It's Tamiya's P-47D Razorback in 1/72 scale. I actually started it several years ago after my wife gave me the "PYN-Up" decals for Gerald Johnson's "In The Mood." I pulled it back out earlier this year, and had planned to finish it for our club's annual contest at the Kalamazoo Air Zoo last weekend (The theme was "Pure Michigan," and the plane is a presentation aircraft with "Jackson County, Michigan Fighter" painted on the side.) Obviously I missed the deadline.

The Tamiya kit is simply gorgeous, and pretty much falls together. The only modifiaction I had to make was to the cowl flaps. Johnson's aircraft was an early P-47D with the full-length flaps. Quickboost makes a resin replacement cowl, but the one I bought was actually a bit undersized..so I just used a bit of sheet styrene to modify the kit cowl.



I got the major paint work done this week. The basic OD over Gray is rather bland, so I thought I'd try to jazz it up a bit. One of our club members recently gave a demo on panel line highlighting, so I gave it a try. So far I'm fairly pleased with the result. Hopefully I'll be able to get the decals on this weekend, and have some pics of the finished product soon!

SN

cool, looking forward to it.
I always liked the olive and grey on a razorback p-47.

Looks good, Steve.

That kit really falls together, doesn't it? Of course, since I've never finished either one of mine, I shouldn't be doing a kit review, should I!?

What Fighter group and squadron? It looks like a good start to a 73FS 318FG Bellows Field Hawaii through Saipan. Just needs the white wing tips. Hugh

_________________
My father was a a/c armorer 7th aaf 318FG 73FS

56th FG, 61st FS.

I've always liked the 8th AF T-bolts with the white IFF markings, and red-bordered insignia. Also, Jackson county is the next east from where I live, and bordered the county where I grew up on the north. As you can see, there's some noticable overspray on the white cowl band..I thought about trying to replicate it in 1/72, but decided not to risk screwing up the paint. As it is, I managed to botch the red "no step" squares on the flaps tonight by using too much decal solvent, and then damaged the paint getting them off. I sprayed the areas red, and will mask them off and touch up the OD (I should have just masked and painted the stupid things in the first place!) At least I didn't screw up any decals I can't replace.

SN

Way to go Steve! Very nice modeling there. Keep us posted on progress. Painting and decals are my favorite part. Canopies and sanding....hate it!

Kel