1/48 Tamiya P-47D2 “Captured Thunderbolt – Zirkus Rosarius”
This is P-47 D2 Thunderbolt 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.
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.
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.
Decals from Cutting Edge CED48256 Zirkus Rosarius –Special Missions Part 1 .
Wheels are replaced by “Ultracast Covered wheels with diamond tread”
*Reference: On special Missions – Luftwaffe’s Research and Experimental Squadrons 1923-1945 ( R.Smith , E Creek, P Petrick – Ian Allan publishing)
Happy Modelling
22 additional images. Click to enlarge.
Jon Bius said on January 17, 2013
Great work! It’s neat to see that in such a different scheme.
Gregor de Ste Croix said on January 17, 2013
Very nice T-Bolt. I love those tamiya P-47’s.
Craig Abrahamson said on January 17, 2013
Very unique build…and nice work. I always marvel at how some modelers can “think outside the box” – I like what you’ve done with this P-47.
Tom Cleaver said on January 17, 2013
I can’t tell which one of your models is “the most outstanding.” Every time I think I have figured it out, you present another one. All of your models are to such a uniformly high level, it’s just a real pleasure to look at any of them. No problem with another “10” here!
Tolga ULGUR said on January 18, 2013
Hi Tom, thanks a lot for nice comments.These are encouraging me to built more.
Nikola Pentić said on January 17, 2013
Like Tom said, another fantastic build. A clear ten.
Bryan W. Bernart said on January 17, 2013
Ach der lieben. Ten again, Tolga.
James Kelley said on January 17, 2013
That’s very well executed.
I love it!
Tolga ULGUR said on January 18, 2013
Thanks to all for their comments.
Maxim Bylkin said on January 20, 2013
Cool bolt! And even on the sides of the crosses, it is still clear that this is an American plane – big and thick!.
Billy Smith said on March 3, 2013
I’ll be attempting this plane around the end of this month, I doubt I will get as good results because I’m using a monogram kit and I don’t have as much experience. But I’m going to try my best! I’ve always loved captured aircraft!
Phil L said on November 13, 2013
Thanks for the comments. The pilot of this plane was my grandfather’s best friend in his squadron. I actually spoke to “Roach” several years ago about his experiences, but I’m honestly not sure that he was aware of the fate of his aircraft when he was a POW.
Thanks again.