The Aircraft

The Republic P-47 was one of two very successful fighters flown by USAAF pilots and were built at Farmingdale, Long Island in New York State. Until the P-51 came along, there wasn’t a more successful American escort aircraft and tactical bomber than the P-47.

I’ve been a fan of the P-47 ever since I found a copy of Robert S. Johnson’s “Thunderbolt!” in my high school library. This kit contains markings for 4 aircraft, and I decided to do Walker “Bud” Mahurin’s razorback. Bud was the first American pilot to become a double ace in Europe (10 victories) and wound up with 19.75 victories. He was shot down over France in May of 1944, rescued by the Resistance, and returned to Britain. Because of his knowledge of the French Resistance, he was transferred to the Philippines, where he shot down a Japanese bomber. Later he flew fighters in Korea, where he got 3.5 MiG-15s, making him the only fighter ace with victories in Europe, the Pacific, and Korea.

The Hobby Boss 1/48^th scale kit of the MiG-17 series are THE kits of this fighter plane. The kit does have good detail but like anything, it can be improved upon. Included in this photo etch set are some major upgrades.

Packaged in the typical Eduard resealable package with card stock support. This pre-painted single nickel-plated photo etch fret features some prominent upgrades.

Most of the parts are designed for use in the cockpit. The biggest being the instrument panel. The instrument panel is a two-part affair with the instrument faces having glass like faces and over that is the visible panel with its various switches and buttons. On top of that there is a HUD for the gunsight. It is a single piece of photo etch that replaces the kit clear plastic part. Sidewall details are also provided.

Hasegawa’s 1/32^nd scale P-47D is a wonderful kit with great shape and like many Hasegawa kits is basic in some areas. One of those areas is seat belts. The cockpit opening is smallish, and the seat is prominent and there is no provision of any kind for a seat belt. Eduard to the rescue with set 33234, a seat of belts made specifically for the Hasegawa P-47D-25.

Inside the package is a single sheet of instructions with a fret of colorized photoetch which has nine parts with three spares included. The shoulder harnesses are one piece and the are four. Start by cutting the parts from the sprue and sanding off any nibs. The should harnesses have a bend on each buckle. The lap belts have a pad and latch installed on the left belt; nothing n the right belt.

Installation is simple, bend the parts to look realistic and glue in place. Weather with a little wash and flat coat and done. They are a great improvement to a nice seat.