The Republic P-47D was one of the main United States fighters of World War Two and also one of the heaviest and largest.

It’s heavy armament and ability to resist battle damage and remain airworthy made it a popular and highly regarded fighter.

The P-47 was a development of the earlier P-43 fighter in which everything was made bigger and more powerful.

They began entering service in the European Theatre in 1943 and were in service in all areas of United State operation by the end of that year.

It was manufactured in two versions, the ‘Razorback’ and the ‘Bubble Top’ which, when it was introduced, gave the pilot very good visibility.

Over 15,000 P-47s were manufactured and some remain flying today as ‘warbirds’.

This model represents the Republic P-47D, 42-76569, ‘Raid Hot Mama’, 2Z-D, flown by Lieutenant John Drummond of the 510th FS/405th FG.

This aircraft and pilot were shot down by flak over Vive, France, on 26 July 1944 and Drummond subsequently became a prisoner of war for the remainder of the war. The wreckage fell on the small village of Gieville in France.

Monogram 1/48 with aftermarket decals and scratch built seatbelts. Painted in Model Master enamels and completed by Wayne in about 2000.