1/48 Hasegawa P-47D-27 Thunderbolt

"Angie"

by Lorenzo Cassinadri

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Here is my P-47D-27 of the 512th Fighter Squadron, 406th Fighter Group flown by Col. Anthony V. Grossetta in the ETO.
I wanted to reproduce one of those natural metal Jugs with colorful markings, invasion stripes and sexy noseart and "Angie" was perfect for this purpose.
I usually build models out of the box with only some scratchbuilt details added but this time I've used an aftermarket kit (Eduard photoetch set). I love the fine details of the p.e. parts (especially in the cockpit) but I failed to consider the huge amount of extra work needed to cut, bend, dry-fit and glue those tiny little parts!
I've also added some extra wiring in the cockpit, replaced the 0.50 machine guns' barrels with syringes needles and represented the engine cowl flaps in the open position (which Mr. Hasegawa doesn't include as an option...).

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About the paintjob, I decided to give a try to Alclad II paints: now I'm in love with that stuff!
It's ready to spray out of the bottle, dries in no time and it's hard as nails when dry.
I primed the model with a coat of gloss black followed by a base coat of Alclad II Duraluminium.
Then I masked some panels and sprayed them with Humbrol Metalcote Matt and Polished Aluminium (some with a drop of gun metal for a darker shade). Then I've applied another light mist of Duraluminium to tone down the differences.
I must say I'm very happy with this NMF finish.
Nose scallops, invasion stripes and tail bands have been all masked and painted, then after two coats of floor wax I was ready for decals.
Hasegawa decals are thin enough and reacted well to setting solutions (MicroSet and Sol), although the stars & bars white is not really white, "whitish" I'd say, but after the sealing coats and some light weathering it's pretty hard to notice and in the end the decals look almost as painted-on.
I touched up the pin-up with a fine brush to add shades and some volume to the hairstyle as the decal looks pretty "flat".
Now "Angie" is really a sexy gal! ;-)

Panels have been profiled with a light wash of black oils.  Weathering is not heavy, because, despite the intense use, these machines were well serviced by ground crews.
Stains and oil streaks are concentrated in the lower part of the fuselage and MGs soot is evident only around the spent cases' chutes (only a hint of dirt is visible on the two outer MGs, the ones with the muzzle closest to the leading edge).
The fuselage was sprayed with Humbrol Satin Cote (anti-glare panel masked and lightly sprayed with Humbrol Matt Cote) while I finished the wings with another coat of Future as wings were often polished to improve performances.

I hope you like it!

Cheers,
Lorenzo

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Photos and text © by Lorenzo Cassinadri