Corgi Aviation Archive Collector Series US33813
Republic P-47D Thunderbolt Diecast Model
USAAF 332nd FG, 302nd FS Tuskegee Airmen | Limited Edition
2500
Pieces Worldwide |
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| 1:72 Scale | | Length | | Width |
|---|
| Republic P-47D Thunderbolt | | 6" | | 6.75" |
These markings represent one of the P-47s flown by the group's 302nd FS during the month of June 1944. The Thunderbolts had been issued to the 332nd as replacements for their beat up P-40Ls. The "new" P-47s, however, had seen extensive combat with their former owners, the 325th FG, aka the Checkertail Clan. This particular aircraft was one of five P-47s credited with the destruction of a German destroyer off Italy's Trieste Harbor. This is where the red tail markings began for the Tuskegee Airmen. Someone overpainted at least one P-47 tail with some available red paint (probably barn paint) to blot out the black and yellow checkers.
Designed by Alexander Kartveli meeting a USAAC requirement for a heavy fighter, the P-47 was first flown on May 6th, 1941. Later models featured a "bubble-top" canopy rather than the sharply peaked "razorback" fuselage which resulted in poor visibility for the aircraft's pilot. The P-47, a deadly pursuit aircraft, featured 8 x 12.7mm machine guns; all mounted in the wings. Even with the complicated turbosupercharger system, the sturdy airframe and tough radial engine, the P-47 ("Jug" or "Juggernaut" as it was nicknamed) could absorb damage and still return home. Built in greater quantities than any other US fighter, the P-47 was the heaviest single-engine WWII fighter and the first piston-powered fighter to exceed 500 mph. © Copyright 2003-2024 The Flying Mule, Inc.
Corgi's 1:72 scale P-47 series includes both the "razorback" and "bubble-top" canopy styles, with separate castings for each fuselage. The models in this series are constructed almost entirely of diecast metal with only the smallest amount of plastic used. Details of the radial engine and air intake are visible inside the oval engine cowling. The turbo-supercharger exhaust vent and separately applied intercooler exit doors are nicely detailed at the rear of the fuselage. Each release in the series includes different weapons ordnance or external fuel tanks. The four staggered machine gun barrels that protrude from each of the wings' leading edges are constructed of rigid plastic, and there are shell casing vents below each wing.
© Copyright 2003-2013 The Flying Mule, Inc.
The Corgi "Aviation Archive" range presents highly-detailed, ready-made diecast models of military and civilian aircraft. The vast Aviation Archive range has become the standard by which all other diecast airplane ranges are judged. Each Corgi model is based on a specific aircraft from an important historical or modern era of flight, and has been authentically detailed from original documents and archival library material. Famous airplanes and aviators from both military and commercial airline aviation are all honored.
Corgi "Aviation Archive" 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.
- Interchangeable extended/retracted landing gear with rotating wheels.
- Poseable presention stand to display the aircraft "in flight".
- Many limited editions with numbered certificate of authenticity.
- Detailed, hand-painted pilot and crew member figures.
- Authentic detachable ordnance loads complete with placards.
- Selected interchangeable features such as speed-brakes, opened canopies and access panels.
- Selected moving parts such as gun turrets, control surfaces and swing-wings.
© Copyright 2003-2024 The Flying Mule, Inc.
