When
North Korea attacked the South in 1950, the ROK didn't have any combat aircraft to defend
themselves. The US hastily gathered some resources to provide for a squadron.
Originally the
thought process had been to provide F-51 Mustangs as these were plentiful.
However, bright minds understood that the aircraft would probably be used more
in the ground attack role, a role which the liquid cooled engine of the Mustang
has a severe disadvantage. Luckily, there were still several F-47 Thunderbolts
available and with its robust structure, 8 .50 cal machine guns and dive bombing
capability, these airframes were shipped to Korea. A group of American pilots
lead by Col. Dean Hess took on the task of training these pilots and even
participating in several missions. After the war, these airframes were replaced
with F-86 Sabres.
This
is the Academy P-47D Thunderbolt kit in 1/72nd. It was constructed mostly
out of the box except the aerial had to be moved back one panel or it would
block the open canopy. The kit was painted using Wal-Mart house brand
rattle cans. Aluminum for the BMF and Flat Black for the anti-glare panel.
The markings were scrounged from the Academy P-51 Korean War kit and represent
Col. Hess' real mount. Overall a fairly simple build with no real
difficulties.
Phil
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images below to see larger images
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