1/72 Revell Germany P-47 D30

"The Italian Jug"

Gallery Article by Domenico Catalano

 

In the post - war period, the reformed Aeronautica Militare Italiana (A.M.I.) received from the U.S.A., among many things, about seventy P-47 Thunderbolts. 

My model represent a P-47 D30, 51 - 22 (MM 4635), of the 51° Stormo, 21° Gruppo, based at Treviso, 1951. 

The Kit
I have utilized the recent Revell of Germany kit in 72nd scale (item no. 04141). Moulded in light grey plastic, the kit is beautifully detailed, with finely recessed panel lines. The transparent parts are clean and clear and the canopy is divided in two parts, so is possible to be placed it in open or closed position.

The model, straight from the box, has a very nice look, but I've done some little improvements: 

  • 1. The cockpit provided by Revell is much too wide, because it is lacking cockpit walls; likewise, the seat is oversized. 

    • I have used the Aires resin cockpit set (item no. 7236) with some little changes, mainly concerning the cockpit floor (smooth, not corrugated!). 

  • 2. I have reproduced the wing guns and the Pitot tube with hypodermic needle sections. 

  • 3. It is necessary to make thin the pieces no. 50 (intercooler movable fins).

  • 4. I have added the radome behind the cockpit. 

 

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Painting and weathering 
After masking off the cockpit, engine and undercarriage bay, the complete model was given a light coat of Humbrol satin white (item no. 130). The required black areas of the fuselage was then masked off using Tamiya masking tape and they were given a coat of Humbrol matt black. Then I masked the black areas and the whole model was given a coat of matt aluminium (Humbrol Metalcote). Once dry, I airbrushed the whole model a coat of Testor's sealer, in my opinion it's the best clear varnish available. 

The decals (Italeri and Tauromodel, mainly) where then applied, using Gunze Mr. Mark Softer. Once the decals had dried out, I have applied, using a 5/0 brush, a china ink (sepia, Pelikan, item no. 15). The excess ink was wiped off with a very lightly damped cloth. Then the model received some chalk powder of different shades, from black to brown and grey. Finally, the model was sealed by another coat of Testor's clear. 

Conclusion 
I enjoyed making this kit. At about 4 Euro (US$4.65), it represents very good value for money and I have no problems recommending it to everybody. As for as I am concerned, it is the best P-47 in 72nd scale.

Domenico Catalano

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Photos and text © by Domenico Catalano