1:48 Razorback P 47's of the 56th Fighter Group

The fastest Thunderbolts that reached service

Both subjects on this sheet belong to the M version, which the 56th Fighter Group alone received in combat use. An engine with higher boost pressure pushed the speed of the machine toward the 700 km/h mark and the unit sent it against flying bombs as well as against the enemy's first jet aircraft. Only 130 examples were built, so this is a comparatively rare subject.

The first scheme belongs to the aircraft with serial number 44-21176, the code LM-D and the name Jersey Bounce on the nose. The second is aimed at machine 44-21116 with the letters HV-J and the lettering Lorene. Represented are therefore the 62nd and the 61st Fighter Squadron. It was precisely with this version that the group took to striking colored engine cowlings and tail surfaces, meant to make squadrons easier to tell apart in the air, so a model need not be left in a single uniform camouflage.

Recommended procedure

Individual markings are cut out close to the outline of the printing. They are dipped in lukewarm water for a few seconds and left to come on a paper pad until the film releases itself from the backing. They are moved into place with a soft haired brush, not with tweezers, which easily tear the thin layer. Larger areas are best settled at the first attempt, because repeated moving does them no good.

The printing is worked up in 1:48 scale and counts on a kit obtained separately. What is delivered is the decals alone, no plastic and no etched parts. Anyone building a series of machines of one unit gets two subjects from the last half year of the war with this sheet.