Warbird Information Exchange

I hope there are some some experts on Jugs out there who can help with this question.

I'm working on a model of a 1/48th P-47D-25 and I have decals for MX@E of the 78th FG based at Duxford when assigned to Lt Howard Scholz in 7/1944. The s/n was 42-26635.

Here's my dilema. The color scheme while interesting is in question. Directions call for OD over NMF, but RAF Dark Green or US Medium Green may have been used as well apparently.

Anyone out there have any ideas? I know the 56th FG used RAF paints.
Personally I'm hoping its RAF Dk Green as it will look a little different from my OD and Neutral Gray Razorback model.

FWIW about 9 years ago I had the opportunity to meet Gabby Gabreski at our church where he was giving a lecture at the K of C meeting. I knew there was always speculation on the color scheme of his last P-47D. Was it RAF Dk Green/Ocean Gray over NMF or Med Sea Gray etc? I asked him in person and he said he'd gotten that question a lot but can't answer it. He said he'd never really looked under the airplane!

Peter

Peter...A bit out of my area of expertise, (someday I'll figure out just what my "area of expertise" is) but have you tried the 78th website? I found a lot of pictures there.

Mudge the "Expert Tease"

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Land of the free because of the brave

I would go for the UK Dark Green over UK Sky

Roger Freemans Mighty 8th Warpaint and heraldry book states this.

Frank oilers bubble top 'Eileen' was also in this scheme as were many others.

At the time natural metal finish P47s were being delivered.

The 78fg was recommended to add camoflage to these aircraft in case a move to the continent took place.

the book quotes

"Dark green from RAF stocks was used,but on most field camoflaged aircraft the undersurfaces were also painted with sky, the 78th was most consistent in this practise"

Have a look at www.littlefriends.co.uk under 78th fighter group gallery

Hope this helps

Bwb

Thanks BWB thats a big help and I'll think I'll go with RAF Dk Green.

Pete