P-47 conversion

Modeling Subjects Aircraft
1

Recently I saw a painting of Robert Johnson’s P-47 C “Half Pint” and a FW 190. It was the mission where the Fock Wolf exhausted all the ammo and still could not shoot the Jug down, so the German flew up along side, saluted., then flew off allowing Johnson to get back home. This story facinated me and I knew I had to build “this” plane.

Recently I picked up Tamiyas P-47D Razorback. My question is how difficult would it be to convert this kit to a C model such as the one Johnson was flying on that day (Half Pint). What are the “cosmetic” differences, if any. I tend to model WW2 ace planes, or planes with historical interest, such as Half Pint, which shows how rugged the Jug really was. Any Thunderbolt experts comments would be much appreciated.

Thanks,
Joe

2

http://home.att.net/~jbaugher1/p47_3.html

http://home.att.net/~jbaugher1/p47_4.html

Heres a couple links showing the differences between the D and C models. Basically its stated that early D’s can only be distinguished from C’s by serial #.

About the only real differences I can think of would be that the C didnt have underwing pylons. Id say if you got rid of those you’d be close enough. There also was a provision for a centerline bomb/droptank shackle. That doesnt mean it was there or not, just a provision. You’d just have to see whether this particular aircraft had them. There are also some slight differences in the cowl flaps.

3

The cowl flaps are different on the C, don’t come down as far as on the D.

4

Thanks…I just picked up decals for Johnson’s plane (Superscale #48-831). According to the sheet, the cowl flaps are different on the C. I figure I can fill the lowest flap with putty and I should be good to go. Thank god!. No major surgery

Thanks for the prompty replies,
Joe

5

The belly of the C model also wasn’t as rounded. This is because it didn’t have all the equipment associated with the centreline drop tanks. Some C models used centre-line drop tanks but didn’t have the equipment in the belly that the D model had. A quick sand of the belly will fix this right up. Apart from that, it should only be the wing pylons that should be removed. There wasn’t a huge visual difference between the models.

hope this helps.

6

i would like to build a plane of the german pilot! not all of them were that nice. lol.

7

I’d find a good line drawing and photos of both your D and the C of the block you are modeling and definitely compare the panel lines. I know we (proudly) dismiss rivet counters around here, but if there is some major difference there, it can probably be fixed with some tape and a scriber, and it’ll be that much more accurate…
Tom

8

Tankbuster…That plane is next on my list. I think it was was an FW 190A and looked sweet. I dont remember since it was a long time ago I saw the painting in an aviation art book. I was intrigued by the story. Anybody with info on the 190, please let me know. Thanks again for all the help.

Joe