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Tom Bebout
142 articles

Academy 1/48 P-47D Bubbletop

May 16, 2022 · in Aviation · · 12 · 1.1K

After completing Lt Richard W. Lander's P-40F, who was assigned to the 315th FS, 324th FG, I was asked if I could also build a he flew. His Group went from N Africa to Italy then on to Southern France where their P-40F's were replaced by P-47's sometime in 1944. I was given a couple of photo's, no real details, so thus began my little A/C research project. The above A/C at several stages of it's life was named Pud, Pudd, then finally Puddin. I enlisted the help of Norris Graser of Thundercals to help me find the tail number which he did in short order. He also noted the drop tank, which was used in the MTO by various P-47 units. They would take the standard 75 gallon tank, cut it in two, add a new section and mount it on it's side. It's clearly visible in one of the last photo's. You can't fine a similar one in any kit that I'm aware of, but Mr Graser makes a resin replacement. Problem solved by Mr P-47 IMHO.

Next were the decals, none exist for this A/C. But after sending a pic to Dave Kopielski. of Dave's Scale Models, the decal issue was solved. The kit is no P-47, which has lots of nice details, but with a little care one can produce a nice looking model. In fact I was really impressed with the canopy, very thin and crystal clear.

So here's the goodies I used:
Ultracast seat and wheels
Decals from Dave's Scale Models
Stars and bars plus prop decals and tank from Norris Graser at Thundercals
Correct prop from Tamiya kit
Main paints were Tamiya XF-26 Deep Green, XF-4 Yellow Green and TS-17 Gloss Aluminum
Pitt Pen for some panel line work

Sometimes I think the fun is in the research rather than actually building the model. For what it's worth I have finished a one of kind P-47. Actually enjoyed doing this one.

Reader reactions:
13  Awesome

14 additional images. Click to enlarge.


12 responses

  1. Excellent job of execution of an obscure subject!. Norris Graser of Thundercals is the man when it comes to P-47s...I have several of his sheets I need to justice to. Love your work!

  2. Tom, @tom-bebout
    You have done a magnificent job with this P-47, (and this is your usual). But if you keep on building all these wonderful Thunderbolts, you just might have to change the name of your model shop from the Bebout Curtiss factory to something else... 😉 Just kidding of course. Keep them coming buddy !

    For me, doing the research is just as much fun as the build is too.

    I'm happy to hear that we have a fellow Imodeler who can make custom decals. I clicked the "like" button too.

  3. Another excellent midel, Tom, superbly researched!

  4. Amazing result, Tom @tom-bebout
    I do love the first picture with the spinning propellor, nicely captured on film.

  5. Well done, Tom. She looks great!
    Kudos to those at Thunderkals for the assistance.

  6. Fabulous result Tom!

  7. Nice work, Tom!

  8. Looks fantastic and on one of your nicely done bases.

  9. Have to agree and admit that the learning that goes with any build is often the best bit!

    Tom, you’ve managed to nail both. This is an outstanding build. Love the action shot of the spinner too!

  10. Fine work on this Tom.

  11. Very nice! NMF is such a nice base for cool schemes, and the red accents really pop on this. Looks great!

  12. Nice work, she’s a great looking P-47!

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