1/48 Tamiya P-47 C 56th FG Robert S. Johnson "Half Pint" (FINISHED)

Joe another masterfuly built and finished Bird and nice to have a bit of history with it. Very nicely done Sir!

jeaton01

Another beauty, Joe. 

I didn't see where you worked on the bottom profile around the drop tank location, Joe.  That was a little flatter on the C, wasn't it, before the plumbing for the drop tank was installed.  But, who will see it.  Nice fix on the cowl, simple.

 

Thanks Jeaton, good catch.  Indeed the C was flat on the bottom because it was void of a belly fuel tank and the plumbing which gave it the visible bulge.  My research however revealed that this provision was added to C and early D models in the field once they reached the ETO.  At least this is the excuse I'm going with as I wasn't going to try that modification.....     

ikar01

Your Grandfather must have been a somewhat shorter guy to fit into this:

My Father was in C-47s far a time until medically grounded.

 

 

Thanks guys.  

From what I understand he was a shade under 6' tall.  I'm not sure how he fit in there either.  I'm not sure my 9 year old daughter would fit in there.  

Another beauty, Joe. 

I didn't see where you worked on the bottom profile around the drop tank location, Joe.  That was a little flatter on the C, wasn't it, before the plumbing for the drop tank was installed.  But, who will see it.  Nice fix on the cowl, simple.

Very sharp jug!

As usual, you've done a stupendous job, Joe!  I have retired and just live vicariously through your builds. 

Gary

PS> Oh, and if you want to watch an interesting film made in IL-2 about this incident, watch all 3 parts of this video "Not My Time to Die".  A bit crude in places, but enjoyable nonetheless. 

My what a nice job on the P-47. I'm envious of your talent and patience, Wow!

Max

PS--forgot to mention the history lesson, kinda what models are all about. Good package I should say!

Your Grandfather must have been a somewhat shorter guy to fit into this:

My Father was in C-47s far a time until medically grounded.

Superb, Joe. The pilot figure really brings the plane into scale. I really like how this one came out. Awesome!

BK

Thanks guys....

I finally sat down and got it finished, but not before I explain the rest of the build.  I used Gunze OD then added XF-57 Buff to simulate condensation streaking.  I then did the same with the same post shade mix as the underside.

Decals went on without a hitch.  Definitely weird early markings though.  Well, here it is.  To recap, it's in the markings of 56th FG Ace Robert S. Johnson's "Half Pint".  On June 13th 1943, Johnson would get his first of 27 kills in Pint, an FW 190.  As previously mentioned, his last mission in Pint would be on the 26th.  Pint was a C-2 so I backdated the kit by altering the cowl flaps and deleted the drop tank, which wasn't fitted until the C-4.  Extras were Eduard seatbelts and Ultracast wheels.  I plumbed the engine and gear legs.  Here's another homage to the men who protected the bombers....There will be many more...

Thanks for following....comments critiques welcome.

My attempt with the infamous Monogram figure.....ehhhh close enough

The 47 is looking great. Excellent work.

Your attention to detail is mind blowing.  What a great build overall!

Toshi

Alright, as I promised, I'd get working on the front end. Half Pint was a C model, so I needed to do some minor surgery to the cowl. The C had the two lower flaps on each side deleted (or I should say not added yet?).  Fortunately this is an easy fix.  Tamiya offers an open or closed flap option.  I took the closed piece and sliced off the lower two flaps thusly.

These were then glued onto the cowl and the the flaps filled and sanded smooth.

I then cut out the remaining flaps from the "open" piece, attached it and now you have an instant C cowl.  

A test fit....success!.....and alot cheaper than an aftermarket replacement.

I turned my attention to the Pratt Whitney R-2800.  In all honesty, I think its one of the weaker areas of the kit as the cylinder cooling fins arent very detailed.  I should say I've seen much better.  I think I'll try a Quickboost mill next time.  Regardless, I dressed it up in the usual fashion.  

First styrene, stereo wire, and then paint...check out the link to see how I do this:

http://cs.finescale.com/fsm/modeling_subjects/f/2/t/149327.aspx

Detailer Wash and X-19 Smoke...

Here we see the difference the ignition wires make inside the cowl.  It's very worth it to me.

Not unlike their Wildcat, assembly is barely worth mentioning.  It practically builds itself.  That said, it's a good idea to attach the upper wings to the wing root then add the lowers to avoid a slight gap.  Also, I filled in the groves for the fuselage drop tank as, according to my research, the C did not have a provision for one.  

Time to paint.  Half Pint was the standard Olive Drab over Neutral Grey with a white cowl band and white tail ETO striping.  After an XF-1 Flat Black panel line pre-shade, I added the white with XF-2 and taped them off. I started with the lower side and used XF-53 Neutral Grey cut with Tamiya Lacquer Thinner.  Sprays like silk.  I added Flat White and made condensation streaks.  

I lightened the control surfaces then weathered everything with a brown/black postshade.  I've been getting brave with the grunge factor, especially on the underside.  

 I hope to throw down the Drab soon....

feldgrau23

Fantasic work so far. I look forward to further updates.

 

I am building the Hasegawa Razorback 47 and it was a pretty good kit. Not a fan of the 5 piece propellor tho. I will be marking the bird in the 63rd Squadrons UN-W The Bird my uncle was shot down in. Thats my uncle in my avatar.

 

I have the Hasegawa Razorback in my stash as well, but the Tamiya kit is just light years better in detail.  You could get an aftermarket prop if your so inclined or I could sent you a Tamiya one as I have a spare parts box full of them.  Please tell me more about your uncle.    

echolmberg

 

 

Ultra

Looks absolutely insane!  So you airbrush the floor and sides of the pit then hand paint all the instruments and controls?  Just asking...Im a newbie.  

 

 

 

Ultra, I've been building models for 37 years and I'd love to know the answer as well.  I'm always up for learning different techniques.  I'm glad you asked the question!

Eric

 

Thanks everyone.  Ultra, Eric, that's exactly how I do it.  Here's a tutorial I did while building my Dauntless.  This should answer your questions and perhaps give you guys some ideas.  Thanks for following.  

 http://cs.finescale.com/fsm/modeling_subjects/f/2/t/160714.aspx

Thats a very finely made cockpit right there!

Ultra

Looks absolutely insane!  So you airbrush the floor and sides of the pit then hand paint all the instruments and controls?  Just asking...Im a newbie.  

Ultra, I've been building models for 37 years and I'd love to know the answer as well.  I'm always up for learning different techniques.  I'm glad you asked the question!

Eric

Looks absolutely insane!  So you airbrush the floor and sides of the pit then hand paint all the instruments and controls?  Just asking...Im a newbie. 

Fantasic work so far. I look forward to further updates.

I am building the Hasegawa Razorback 47 and it was a pretty good kit. Not a fan of the 5 piece propellor tho. I will be marking the bird in the 63rd Squadrons UN-W The Bird my uncle was shot down in. Thats my uncle in my avatar.

Wow! That looks amazing so far. Great work!

I am using the Hasegawa Razorback D kit and a Cutting Edge P-47C cowling to do the same bird. Been stalled/sidelined for a few years...

Greatmaker

 

All right, I'm going to level with you all. But what's most important now is that you remain calm. There is no reason to panic.

 

Over Macho Grande? I'm afraid I'll never get over Macho Grande. Those wounds run pretty deep. 

Thanks guys.  As I said, this is perhaps the greatest 1/48 plastic kit on the planet. If only their Mustang was as good. 

Your work just astounds me Joe . I heard this story as a kid and was amazed by it.