Republic P-47D Thunderbolt – 47th FS The Turnip Termites, 15th FG, USAAF DISPLAYED

Dragon Models Warbirds 1/72 scale 50304: Republic P-47D Thunderbolt of 47th FS The Turnip Termites, 15th FG, USAAF. Differs from the Corgi model by having lowering wing flaps.

Length 6 inches Wingspan 6.75 inches

PLEASE NOTE: This is an imperfect ex display model. Comes with removable lowered undercarriage plus all 3 drop tanks and display stand in a plain outer box with modified plastic inner. Paintwork has the odd imperfection which has been touched in but not in A1 condition. Photos of actual model.

This model is a P-47D Razorback version, so-called for the sharp ridge on the upper fuselage behind the pilot’s canopy. The model depicts a P-47D of the 47th Fighter Squadron, which was activated on December 1, 1940 and was initially based in Hawaii. The model bears the colourful logo of “the Turnip Termites” squadron, and the plane is finished in a predominantly silver color. The 47th participated in numerous campaigns from 1940 to 1945, flying P-26, P-36 Hawk, P-47 Thunderbolt, and P-51 Mustang aircraft. The squadron was credited with shooting down eight Japanese aircraft on December 7, 1941, and fought in the pacific theatre during World War II. The 47th flew missions out of several locations, including Thailand, and was credited with shooting down hundreds of enemy aircraft by the end of the war. Interestingly, the 47th Tactical Fighter Squadron is still in existence today flying the A-10 Warthog.

Designed by Alexander Kartveli meeting a USAAC requirement for a heavy fighter, the P-47 was first flown on May 6th, 1941. Later models featured a “bubble-top” canopy rather than the sharply peaked “razorback” fuselage which resulted in poor visibility for the aircraft’s pilot. The P-47, a deadly pursuit aircraft, featured 8 x 12.7mm machine guns; all mounted in the wings. Even with the complicated turbosupercharger system, the sturdy airframe and tough radial engine, the P-47 (“Jug” or “Juggernaut” as it was nicknamed) could absorb damage and still return home. Built in greater quantities than any other US fighter, the P-47 was the heaviest single-engine WWII fighter and the first piston-powered fighter to exceed 500 mph.