P-47C Thunderbolt

Subject:
Republic
P-47C Thunderbolt
Kit Used: Hasegawa 1/48

Model & Build Description:
Jim Ashford
Pictures & Historical Background: R. Forys

The P-47 fighter had an interesting start. It appears that it was originally conceived as a lightweight aircraft powered by the Allison V-1710 liquid-cooled V-12 engine and armed with eight .50 caliber machine guns. Though initially backed by the Army Air Corp, they lost interest in the project when they decided it couldn't compete with other fighters of the day. In 1940, a totally different, much larger and heavier design was submitted by Republic and accepted as the P-47B. The lightweight "A" model was never built.

[C-Model P-47s were first delivered to the AAF in September 1942.]

Problems with P-47B were gradually addressed and in general, the USAAF was pretty happy with the aircraft. Before long, an order for 602 improved "C" models was placed, with the first of these being delivered in September 1942. The initial P-47Cs were very similar to the P-47B, however fixes and feature updates took place throughout production in a series of sub-models marked C1 to C5, and some of these were substantial.

[One of the biggest changes of the C-Model was a 13 in fuselage extension forward of the cockpit at the firewall to correct center of gravity problems, ease engine maintenance and allow installation of a new engine mount.]

The "C" model modifications included strengthened all-metal control surfaces, an upgraded GE turbosupercharger regulator, and a 13 in fuselage extension forward of the cockpit at the firewall to correct center of gravity problems, ease engine maintenance and allow installation of a new engine mount. Other changes added revised exhausts for the oil coolers, brakes updates, and a centerline hardpoint with under-fuselage shackles for either a 500 lb bomb or an external fuel tank. The most prominent sub variant was the C-5 model, which introduced a new whip antenna and new engine with water-methanol injection. By the end of 1942, most of the issues with the P-47 had been resolved and "C" model P-47s were sent to England to see action with the 56th, 4th, and 78th Fighter Groups.

[This is the 1/48 Hasegawa P-47D Thunderbolt model back dated to a C-Model.]

The Kit: This model started life as a 1/48 Hasegawa P-47D Thunderbolt. To back date it to a "C" model entailed filling in the bottom two cowl flaps, taking out the curve on the second to last cowl flap, and blending in that area of the cowling so it fits against the fuselage without a gap. A lot of filler putty was used to smooth out this area. Of course, you could always get the drop-in replacement cowling from Quick Boost, which I became aware of after I'd gone to all the trouble.

[There are resin updates from Quick Boost and Lone Star Hobbies that would have made life easier, but I didn't learn about them until the model was almost done.]

The first "C models" did not have the bulged keel found on the "D", which was a modification that allowed the T-Bolt to carry a centerline fuel tank. However some "C's" were retro-fitted with the bulge, so rather than try to cut off the bulge, I left it and added a 108 gallon drop tank out of the spares box. The sway braces needed to be modified because the kit-supplied parts were for the flat tank. Lone Star Hobbies produces a resin part that would give you the flat belly of the "C model", but again I didn't learn about it until the model was almost done.

[The markings are for Flight Officer Ralph K. Kid Hofer, 334 Fighter Squadron, 4th Fighter Group.]

The cockpit is from True Details, and I drilled out the gun barrels a bit. Those gun barrels on the wings were pretty finicky. I had to replace the fourth gun barrel on the right wing about four times before I got it to look right. The markings are for Flight Officer Ralph K. "Kid" Hofer, 334 Fighter Squadron, 4th Fighter Group. Hofer had the distinction of scoring his first victory on his first mission over enemy territory in October of 1943, and went on to become one of the 4th's top aces with 15 kills in the air and 14 on the ground before he was shot down and killed in July 1944.

[A 108 gallon drop tank was added from the spares box.]

Overall the kit went together very well with little filler needed except as mentioned earlier. It was a very enjoyable build.