P-47D Thunderbolt Francis Gagreski Halesworth Hobby Master HA8453 1:48

Hobby Master 1:48 Air Power Series P-47D Thunderbolt Lt Col Francis Gagreski Halesworth January 1944 Hobby Master HA8453 1:48 Aircraft: P-47 Thunderbolt Razorback (P-47D) Country: USA Year: 1944 1:48 Scale Item: HA8453 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. 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. Flying with the 61st FS, 56th FG, 8th AF, out of Halesworth Lt. Col. Francis Gabrseki’s was assigned his second P-47D HV*A s/n 42-75510 in December 1943 and scored 10 of his 28 victories. On June 27, 1944 Grabreski scored his 27th victory followed by his 28th and final WWII victory on July 5, 1944. On July 20, 1944 Grabreski flew one last mission and crashed spending the remainder of the war as a POW. On August 15, 1944 42-75510 piloted by Lt. William Buttner was lost. Republic Aviation P-47D specifications Number Produced – 12,602 most numerous variant Crew – 1 Dimensions Length – 36 ft. 1 in. (11 m) Wingspan – 40 ft. 9 in. (12.42 m) Height – 14 ft. 8 in. (4.47 m)