Corgi Aviation Archive Collector Series AA33805
Republic P-47D Thunderbolt Diecast Model
USAAF 348th FG, 360th FS, "Bonnie", William Dunham | Limited Edition
2900
Pieces Worldwide |
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| 1:72 Scale | | Length | | Width |
|---|
| Republic P-47D Thunderbolt | | 6" | | 6.75" |
Dinghy' Dunham scored his first seven victories in a P-47D-2 called 'Bonnie' but by late 1944 had moved onto a P-47D-25 also called 'Bonnie' and now extravagantly showing a host of kill markings. As the 348th FG's second most successful ace, Dunham almost certainly scored his final four P-47 kills in this particular fighter. He left his beloved 460th FS in mid-December 1944 to become assistant group operations officer, prior to returning home in January 1945 to attend a gunnery course. He re-joined the group in May 1945 to find the P-47's replaced by Mustangs and it was in one such P-51K called 'Mrs Bonnie' that he scored his sixteenth and final victory on 1st August.
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 2003-2026 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 2003-2026 The Flying Mule, Inc.
