Gabby Jug: 1/48th Hasegawa P-47D Thunderbolt
The 1/48th Hasegawa P-47D Thunderbolt kit release in 1996 reset the bar for the best Thunderbolt on the market... for a few years anyway. I wanted to have Gabby Gabreski's uniquely painted P-47 Thunderbolt in my collection for some time but hadn't gotten around to the build (somewhat due to the complexities of getting the paint job successfully completed). As it turned out that paint finish would be a bit of a battle.
You can see more in-depth detail of this build with additional photos at: https://www.flypastrush.com/post/gabby-jug-1-48th-hasegawa-p-47d-thunderbolt
I found the Hasegawa kit a straight-forward build with good detail, little hassle and minimal seam maintenance (although the now premier kit is probably the Tamiya, you shouldn't be disappointed with this one).
Thanks for looking & good luck on your next build.
Very nicely done. I did go to your full build linked article to see what pitfalls might be encountered. I have a razorback P-47D by Hasegawa under way. The too slim belly is being put to good use as I am back-dating it to an early D using a Cutting Edge cowl replacement. Again your execution on this iconic subject is exceptional.
Thanks Russell (@russjurco) There was certainly some back and forth battles going on with this build but very few kit related. Good luck with your Razorback (I have one of those in the stash as well).
Well done - not an easy paint job to replicate!
True enough Chas, (@chasbunch) that style of camo applied to a few of these P-47s was more challenging than the standard stuff, but sharp looking as well - Thanks for your comment
Excellent result! Congratulations!
Thanks Spiros, I was certainly glad to get this one finally out the paint shop!
Very nice work done on this Thunderbolt, @flypastrush
Quite a unique scheme indeed. Also the first time that I see that only the white stripes are applied on the fuselage and upperside of the wings.
Yes John, (@johnb) I came across some photos I had not seen before of this aircraft and it certainly does seem to show this unique application of the D-Day stripes. It appears only to be for a short period, however it does make for a great (talking-point) subject if nothing else! - Thanks again
1 attached image. Click to enlarge.
A very nice piece of work you’ve done on this P-47!
@flypastrush
Thanks Alfred, a lot of years passed between my first Monogram kit build of this P-47 and this Hasegawa one. This one should be a keeper
Good-looking Jug!
Thanks Greg, It's a great big WWII aircraft to build and comes by that name honestly with that fuselage shape.