Republic P-47D Thunderbolt "Gabreski"

[nikischutt]

Howzit

Since Friday 6th June is the 70th anniversary of the Normandy Landings and the local modelling society is having a display honouring the event. I decided to attempt an aircraft involved in that period. I initially started the Spitfire, specifically the "Beer Truck" version, but the nose was giving me issues (twice...), and I already had the Thunderbolt printed, so why not?

This is the model: 1/33 Republic P-47D Gabreski Paper Model, one of Airdave's.

I scaled the model by 135% to fit on A3 size, with the result that the kit went from being 1/33 to approximately 1/24. Needless to say, it's huge! I don't usually do build reports, but Airdave asked, so I have obliged.

First one; mostly complete fuselage, yip, it's big!


Rear vents opened:


View from the front:


Kink in the fuselage, I'm not happy with this, not entirely sure if it's the model, me, or both. The fuselage is smooth all the way around that particular join, just not at the bottom.


Vertical tail with integrated former ready for attachment to fuselage:


More to follow.

Niki

[talls6]

Excellant work so far. That is going to be a big one!!! - Darren

[Vermin_King]

That is looking very good. What type printer did you use?

[airdave]

wow, very impressive!
This is the first time I have seen this paint scheme printed.
I like it.

Blowing up a model like this is bound to exaggerate a few problems within the model
...but I have not had a problem like what you show (with the fuselage).

I've only built three complete Thunderbolts myself (photos below)
and the worst fuselage I have is on Raid Hot Mama.
But thats when I used to fit the formers real tight.
In that case I caused excessive ribbing throughout the fuselage.

And the ribbing can also make it tough to close up the seams.

But I still didn't have your problem.
It almost looks like a part that is too small.
Maybe it was affected by a printing error?

[MacSongLi]

Beautiful work Niki, and for a great cause. I am looking forward to seeing the Jug completed in that scale. That small issue with the fuselage is nothing, considering the location. I love those rear vents open too.

Gary

[nikischutt]

Originally Posted by airdave

But I still didn't have your problem.
It almost looks like a part that is too small.
Maybe it was affected by a printing error?

Definitely not a printing issue. It's strange, but I have a solution to fix it or at least hide it.

@VK, I use a Brother MFC-J6510DW printer with CISS. Model was printed at maxed out quality.

Thanks again.

[nighthawk78]

Looking good, always liked the look of airdaves P-47.
NH78

[airdave]

Niki...if you think you find a problem within the parts
AND find a solution for an adjustment fix,
I would like to see it and investigate your findings.

As I showed, I didn't experience the problem,
but it was also a very long time ago, last time I built a P-47.

When I get back into working on the P-47 updates, I will be
building another model and can investigate this further.
It will be nice to have your input.

[nikischutt]

Dave, I think the that issue is the internal former, I might have shifted it in too far. As for any errors, photos and queries will come your way.

Carrying on, just a few detail shots:

Various ventral vents:




Canopy fitted:


Wing formers ready for wing attachment


Currently busy with landing gear and the prop assembly. Not long to go!

[MacSongLi]

She is looking great Niki, nice clean build so far.

Gary