Dragon Models 1:72 Warbirds 50306
Republic P-47D Thunderbolt Diecast Model
USAAF 354th FG, 353rd FS, Glenn Eagleston, w/Airfield Hardstand Display Base |
| 1:72 Scale | | Length | | Width |
|---|
| Republic P-47D Thunderbolt | | 6" | | 6.75" |
Formed on November 15 1942, the 354th Fighter Group consisted of the 353rd, 355th and 356th Fighter Squadrons. Their first mission was in Mustangs over Europe, though in December 1944, their beloved Mustangs were replaced with P-47D Thunderbolts in time for their involvement in the Battle of the Bulge. Dragon Warbirds is offering a fine new model of a P-47D Thunderbolt of the 353rd Fighter Squadron, this unit having the distinction of being the highest scoring fighter squadron in the whole of the European Theater of Operations in WWII, and indeed in U.S. military aviation history. 84 different pilots in the squadron shared 295 of the 354th FG's 701 aerial victories.
This Warbird model stands out as it comes complete with an amazingly detailed scenic base. The diorama shows a section of a typical airstrip with the aircraft proudly mounted on it. The P-47D is the later "bubble canopy" version, and all its details are accurately molded. The replica is finished in an accurate paint scheme and a colorful set of markings that replicate the actual aircraft of Major Glenn Eagleston. This ace claimed 18.5 aerial victories in WWII, and later flew F-86 Sabre jets in the Korean War where he also downed two MiG-15 jets. This newest release from Dragon is a fitting tribute to this American ace, and collectors will appreciate the quality of this beautiful combination of a diorama and aircraft.
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.
The Dragon Wings P-47 mold allows the "razorback" and "bubble-top" canopy styles with separate castings for each fuselage. This finely crafted model includes many details, such as an opening canopy that reveals a fully detailed cockpit with pad-printed instruments and side panels. The flaps are hinged and moveable, which is uncommon in 1:72 scale. The carefully-applied paint schemes bring out the subtleties of panel lines, rivets and control surface details. Pad-printed unit markings and finely detailed placards complete this historically accurate model.
© Copyright 2003-2019 The Flying Mule, Inc.
The Dragon Models "Dragon Wings 1:72 Warbirds Series" range presents highly-detailed, ready-made diecast models of military aircaft.
Dragon Models "Dragon Wings 1:72 Warbirds 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.
- Selected moveable control surfaces.
- 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.
© Copyright 2003-2026 The Flying Mule, Inc.
