1/72 Academy P-47 Razorback

 by Octavio José Garibaldo

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This is the 1/72 Academy P-47D, the kit is built OOB with the minimal modifications of adding a rear view mirror in the canopy and adding home made seatbelts.  This particular model depicts the P-47-D-1-RE flown by Lt. John Godfrey in November of 1943, He was the wingman of Don S. Gentile in the 336 FS, 4 FG.  Between Godfrey and Gentile they accounted for more than 58 enemy planes destroyed.

I began this kit in May 2006 and left it behind until February 2007 when I saw a documentary showing P-47's who inspired me to finish the kit.

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The decals came from Aeromaster 72-190 "Debden Jugs III", the model was painted with Model Master Acrylics Olive Drab and a mix of 50% white and 50% black for the underside Neutral Grey.  Another minor modification was the removal of the outer 50 cal. machine gun in eah wing, this was done in field to reduce weight and increase the very needed range to escort the 8th Air Force bombers.

The only problem I faced with this kit were the Academy decals, they were so thick that it was difficult to take form, specially in the propellers.  But the final result was satisfying, at the end I enjoyed and loved this kit.

Octavio 

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Photos and text © by Octavio Garibaldo