1:32 P-47D Razorback

A star that changed three times in one summer

The Republic P-47D in razorback form, that is with the raised decking behind the cockpit and a side-hinged canopy, came to the combat squadrons in the spring of 1943. Those same months saw the fastest change in the American national insignia of the whole war. Until May 1942 the star had a red disc in its center; that was abolished so that the aircraft would not be confused at a distance with the Japanese sun disc. In June 1943 white bars were added at the sides and the insignia received a red surround, and in September of that year the surround was repainted in dark blue. A build set in the summer of 1943 can therefore legitimately carry the insignia in two forms, and only the color of the surround tells them apart.

Why paint holds differently from a decal

An insignia sprayed through a stencil lies directly in the paint. It has no carrier film, no glossy edge and no need for a gloss base, and the transition to the clear coat is seamless. In a large scale that decides the matter: a decal several centimeters across settles badly over a densely riveted surface and over panel lines, whereas a sprayed area follows the relief without wrinkling. The box holds glazing masking from both faces and three separate insignia masks.

What to watch out for during the build

• Spray the white under the star onto a well-cured and degreased base, otherwise it will lift with the mask.
• The film takes only mild stretching; over a strongly domed clear part lay it on in sections.
• Adhesive residue after removal comes off with a mild mineral spirit, not with an alcohol-based canopy cleaner.

The set is intended for use with a kit and contains neither the aircraft model itself nor paints.