This Republic P-47D was first flown by the Brazilian Air Force in Italy.

It was then handed down to the 65th FS, 57FG in 1944 who traded in their somewhat worn out P-40 F’s and K’s for Razorback and Bubble canopy P-47’s.

The paint was very weathered and faded Olive Drab and all the previous Brazilian markings were oversprayed with either an RAF Dark Green or whatever Axis captured Olive Green paint found at various depots hence the patchy paintwork.

Early received P-47’s of the 57th FG were known to have a very weathered exterior with colourful markings and spent their entire WW-II period in the North African and Mediterranean theatres.

Hasegawa 1/32 kit with Rising Decals ‘Colorful Thunderbolts’ decals completed by Wayne in 2012. The seat belts were scratch build with Model Master enamels weathered with pastels, oils and pigments