Hobby Master P-47D Thunderbolt 1/48 Die Cast Model HA8401

Highly detailed P-47D Thunderbolt Lt. Col. Francis Gabreski, 61st Fighter Squadron, 56th Fighter Group, USAAF, RAF 1944 1/48 Die Cast Model NEW TOOL! Die Cast Model 1:48 Scale. The Republic Aviation P-47 “Thunderbolt” entered service in May 1942 with the introduction of the P-47B. It had a “Razorback”, a high dorsal spine behind the side-ways opening canopy that reduced visibility. As improvements were made a “D” variant was produced with 12,602 being manufactured. The British developed a sliding bubble canopy for their Typhoon and this was adopted by the USAAF starting with the P-47D-5. With its ability to survive enemy fire along with impressive armament and bomb load the P-47 excelled at ground attack roles. During WWII Francis “Gabby” Gabreski flew 153 of his 166 combat sorties with the 56th FG. He accumulated a total of 28 aerial and 3 ground victories flying 5 different P-47s that all carried the letters HV-A. On June 27, 1944 Grabreski scored his 27th victory followed by his 28th and final WWII victory on July 5, 1944. Instead of returning home on July 20, 1944 Grabreski flew one last mission and flew too low fouling his prop and spent the remainder of the war as a POW. Hobby Master "1:48 Air Power Series" diecast airplanes feature: Diecast metal construction with some plastic components. Realistic panel lines, antennas, access panels and surface details. Pad printed markings and placards that won't fade or peel like decals. Opening canopies, revealing detailed cockpit interiors. Interchangeable extended/retracted landing gear. Presentation stand to display the aircraft "in flight". Authentic detachable ordnance loads complete with placards. Accurately detailed underside with concealed screwheads.