Republic

P-47D Thunderbolt

Part 1

1/72 scale

Lifelike Decals

HyperScale is proudly supported by Squadron

Reviewed by Mick Evans

Back in 2005, Lifelike Decals released a sheet of Republic P47D Thunderbolt with these same subjects in 1/48 scale. They have now decided to release the sheet in 1/72 scale.   

This sheet is printed to a very high standard that we have come to expect from Microscale Industries who perform the decal printing.  The decals are in perfect register and are sharply printed.  The carrier film is very thin and should disappear under a coating of clear finish.  The artwork for the nose art has been well defined with all of the data decals being readable.  The colour reference sheet provided is printed on heavy paper and is excellent, giving good colour reference and decal placement for both sides of the aircraft where necessary.  A good amount of written data and plenty of referenced material is also listed.   

When Lifelike released their 1/48 scale sheet the decal for 27260 Flak Happy was incorrect.  The wording for Flak Happy should have had a red background and fortunately Lifelike have corrected this on this sheet.  For those who have the incorrect 1/48 scale sheet, Lifelike have provided a paint template on their website. 

Markings are provided for three aircraft in very striking schemes is listed below:

·         P-47D-25-RE 42-26637 Kocomo VM-P flown by Major General William Kepner of the VIII FC, probably in August 1944 based at Hethel. The Aircraft is finished in natural metal of various shades with a light green upper deck anti glare trim and nose cowl ring, (no reference is given for this colour) and fuselage D Day stripes. This aircraft was only fitted with 3 wing guns each side.

·         P-47D-10-RE 42-75207 Rozzie Geth LM-C flown by Lt Fred Christensen of the 62FS, 56FG in March 1944 based at Halesworth. The Aircraft is finished in Olive Drab over Neutral Gray with a white cowling.

·         P-47D-27-RE 42-27260 Flak Happy flown by the 345FS, 350FG in Early 1945 based at Pisa Italy. The Aircraft is finished in natural metal of various shades with an Olive Drab upper deck anti glare trim, yellow and blue engine cowl flaps, and a black and yellow lightning bolt on the fin.

Thanks to Keishiro Nagao of Lifelike Decals for the review sample.

Lifelike Decals are available by email at lifelike@eos.ocn.ne.jp or from

2-8-7-202, Kameari, Katsushika, Tokyo 125-0061, Japan
fax: +81-3-5680-6733