MiniArt P-47D-25RE “Hairless Joe”
Flown by Col. David Schilling, 62nd Fighter Squadron, 56th Fighter Group, 8th Air Force, August 1944. Schilling, a big fan of the comic strip “Li’l Abner”, wrote the cartoonist, Al Capp, for permission to use his characters as nose art on the P-47s of the 62nd squadron.
Much has been written about this kit in other articles and reviews, so I won’t rehash that info. This kit is advertised as a “basic” kit, but it is one of the most detailed kits I have found and well worth the cost.
The fit and detail of the parts is amazing. You must be very careful to make sure joining surfaces are clean and free of sprue nubs to ensure proper fit. Do this and you will not need any putty or filler. Lastly, the plastic is soft which makes it easy to work with and because of that, I broke every bit that “stuck out”. I used Master Model brass replacements for the wing guns, Albion Alloys tubing for the antenna mast and pitot tube, and thin steel rod for the tail wheel strut.
The cockpit tub is nicely detailed, and all control surfaces are separate. The flaps, however, are molded as part of the wing and cannot be “dropped” in the landing position. “Up” is the correct ground position for the flaps according to my friend, Tom Cleaver. During his research for his various books…most recently “Clean Sweep” …he had many interviews with 8th AF P-47 pilots who said there was a standard fine of 10 pounds if you didn’t retract your flaps immediately after landing. That was equivalent to $70 out of a Lt’s pay of $250 a month...Ouch!
Vallejo paints were used throughout…Vallejo Metallics Aluminum for the bottom surfaces and Vallejo Air USAF green and a mix of grays for the top sides. The top surfaces were sprayed overall green like the real airplane had been and then the "tiger stripes” were free handed over the green. This resulted in a realistic, faint mottling effect to the gray.
The kit decals were very good and easy to work with (Micro Sol/Micro Set). The only issue was that US insignia for the bottom of the right wing was too small. Both bottom insignia are supposed to be large. This was to help with friend/foe ID and to preclude being mistaken for a FW 190 in the heat of battle. I was able cobble together a correct insignia from another decal in the kit.
Finally, an oil pin wash, oil and colored pencil streaking, a coat of satin varnish and it was done.
Many thanks to Tom Cleaver for quickly responding to all my needling questions about this specific airplane.
I REALLY like the way it came out.
Lovely
An outstanding result, Tom @trod348
Paintwork and weathering are beautifully done.
Tha is a really beautiful build Tom @trod348. I think you really nailed the paint scheme and from the detail shots the kit itself looks pretty amazing! Well Done!
That looks great ! Very nicely built & painted.
Beautiful model, the camouflage is expertly made
Well, I certainly agree with you Tom, that this is an excellent model. You nailed it. Glad to help.
Thanks for all those late night answers to all the questions I had. “Clean Sweep” helped set the mood too.
I also really like the way this came out. Superb job!
Well done Tom. Beautiful paint work.
Excellent result, Tom!
Congratulations!
Tom that Jug turned out really great buddy ! When I go to build mine not sure of marking so many to choose from 😉
G’day Tom (@trod348),
Nicely done, particularly with the grey striping.
Liked!
@michaelt, I tried various masking options on a paint mule trying to get it right. In the end, the only thing that looked realistic was to do it "freehand".
@trod348, I am a great beleiver in freehand painting except for things like splinter schemes or upper/lower demarcations.
For instance, I know that the British used masking mats for their upper camouflage, but masking it on a kit makes it look toy-like. I prefer a tight spray effect.
So, your camo has full marks from me.
Well done, Tom.
Splendid Jug Sir!
A fantastic Jug! I love that scheme - I have so many P-47's in the stash that I really need to get to - such a great-looking aircraft! You're paint and weathering on this are really great!