Dragon Models 1:72 Warbirds 50289
Republic P-47M Thunderbolt Diecast Model
USAAF 56th, 63rd FS, "Ole Miss Lib", Thomas Smith, 1945 |
| 1:72 Scale | | Length | | Width |
|---|
| Republic P-47M Thunderbolt | | 6" | | 6.75" |
PLEASE NOTE: This item has a planned arrival date of July 2014 and is only available for PRE-ORDER at this time.- Orders are not shipped until complete. If you wish to receive in-stock items prior to pre-ordered items, you must place separate orders.
- Arrival dates are subject to change. Consider them to be estimates as manufacturers frequently revise them.
- Credit Cards are not billed until time of shipment. Check or PayPal payment (not recommended) is required at time of order.
The P-47M was a special high-speed version of the Republic Thunderbolt fighter in WWII. The P-47M was fitted with turbocharged Pratt & Whitney R-2800-57(C) engines. Production of 130 aircraft began in September 1944, and they were rushed to three squadrons of the 56th Fighter Group (56th FG) in Europe. Its maximum speed was 470mph at 30,000 feet, and its design made it suitable as an interceptor of German V-1 bombs. However, it only became fully operational after most of the V-1 launch sites had been overrun. Dragon Armor has released a sizzling 1/72 scale model of a P-47M Thunderbolt. Christened "Ole Miss Lib", it represents the aircraft of Captain Thomas W. Smith of the 63rd Fighter Squadron, 56th FG, in early 1945. The name stems from the fact that the pilot's wife "Lib" (Elizabeth) had returned to complete her studies at "Ole Miss" (the University of Mississippi). The 63rd FS had been activated in January 1941, and the "Panthers" became one of the most successful squadrons in the U.S. Air Force, with 167.5 aerial kills, and 110 enemy aircraft destroyed on the ground. Not only was the 56th FG the first to receive the Thunderbolt, but the 63rd FS also kept theirs until the end of the war. The model is beautifully crafted, with the panel lines cleanly molded on this die-cast miniature. All components are present in splendid detail, while the camouflage scheme is quite simply a work of art. When the P-47M appeared in January 1945, 63rd FS adopted a shadow-shading pattern of deep Mediterranean blue (basically indigo) applied over sky blue. This scheme makes for a most attractive model, added to which is the red-painted nose of the 56th FG. This high-speed fighter from Dragon is sure to be a hit, so collectors will need to pursue it swiftly to make sure they catch it!
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 2003-2025 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 2003-2014 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 2003-2025 The Flying Mule, Inc.
