148
Chow Hound 2nd

  • move
history
Republic's P047 was the largest and heaviest single seat fighter to see service during the Second World War. Conceived and first used as a bomber escort, it found its niche in ground attack, where its extraordinary ability to absorb damage gave it a marked advantage over its contemporaries. German soldiers soon learned to fear the appearance of Thunderbolts over the battlefield, because it was a signal that their day was about to get worse.
the kit
the kit is Eduard's "Limited Edition" "Jugs Over Germany", which contains a complete Academy P-47 plus a large amount of etch and resin detail. Aftermarket fans need not apply.

My selection, as referenced in Eduard's kit instructions, “Chow Hound 2nd” flown by Capt. Robert Blackburn of the 509th FG, France, 1944. A more detailed explanation is provided in Eduard's kit instructions which are downloadable I believe from Eduard's website.

My build was typical of this multi-media kid. The resin propeller, wheels and other photoetch details are outstanding. The kit fits great, construction was a breeze. There are some photoetch details such as the ring and bead sight which really set this kit apart. Painting followed the normal Alclad process of acrylic gloss black Tamiya undercoat and Alclad top coat using aluminum and duraluminum to create some panel differentiation. Solid colors in the finished model were masked off and airbrushed after the Alclad treatment. Invasion stripes were airbrushed. One word of caution, the underwing invasion stripes. I believe the instructions are in error including an additional “black” stripe than was actually applied.

As far as little extra details, the kit comes with arming fuses for the bombs but no wire so I added with little bitty lead ropes (just seeing if you're paying attention). The whole kit was then sealed with Humbrol clear matte finish.

In all I was so happy with this kit I've bought 2 more. I don't think this is a beginner kit but it isn't an advanced build either. I hope you enjoy it.
  • move
  • move
  • move
  • move
  • move
  • move
  • move
  • move
  • move
  • move
  • move
  • move
  • move
  • move
  • move
  • move
  • move
  • move
  • move
  • move
  • move
  • move
  • move
  • move
  • move
  • move

About the Author

About Jim Whitbread (MrMtnMauler)
FROM: WASHINGTON, UNITED STATES

I have been a modeler since I was about 10 years old. I aircraft almost exclusively but I am hopeful to start on those monster Trumpeter ships I have in my stash. Modeling provides me the opportunity to not only construct the model but also read, research and learn the history related to each and ...


Comments

Hi Jim Your T'bolt looks sweet. I'm starting to wonder if I've missed the enlistment for the Thunderbolt group build. What with you, Joel and Dave.There must be a Storm brewing. Chris
FEB 27, 2015 - 02:58 PM
Jim, Simply an outstanding build of the Eduard/Academy Jugs over Germany kit. Your NMF is dead on perfect. Just wondering how you handled the waste gate valves and the exhaust vents in front of them, as there really isn't a detailed picture of that section. In the one picture the two exhaust gas vents by the gate value next to the lower side of the cowling looks like they were either replaced as I'm doing, or you did a fantastic job on opening them up. The ones on my fuselage halves weren't crisply molded which surprised me considering the rest of the level of molding, so that was the deciding factor in replacing them. I also drilled out and replaced the gate valves. Joel
FEB 27, 2015 - 07:40 PM
Hi Chris, thanks for the kind words. I think I've misses the Jug build too :-). Take care
FEB 27, 2015 - 09:41 PM
Hi Joel thank you. I've been watching your build and your quite a pro Jug constructor yourself! I actually opened up the vents. They were very well molded so it made it easier to cut them open but I still had to be careful. The gate valve is as-is. I used a very dark mix of Alclad metals and sprayed them. Seemed like a lot of work at the time but it was worth it. As I said I'm enjoying your build so keep the pics coming! Take care. Jim
FEB 27, 2015 - 09:47 PM
Jim, very good Jug! It looks like a nice kit the way they packaged it.
FEB 28, 2015 - 03:39 AM
Thank you my friend, very kind of you. As far as the packaging/presentation, Eduard hit this one out of the park in my opinion. For a good price you receive resin details, photoetch seat belts and cockpit elements plus a more than generous offering of markings. I was so happy with this I bought another "over Germany" kit as well as their "Jugs over Italy" kit. What higher compliment could I give. Anyway, thank you so much for your encouragement and kindness. Take care. Jim
FEB 28, 2015 - 05:13 AM
Very nicely done.
FEB 28, 2015 - 07:21 AM
Jim, Thanks for answering my questions. Of course now I'm having 2nd thoughts about cutting out and replacing those waste vents, verses just opening them up. I must love to make as difficult for myself as possible. I'm already getting ready to order the Jugs over Germany kit with my next Sprue Brothers order. About the only thing missing from the kit is the option to drops the flaps as the vast majority of parked Jugs have them that way. I keep on looking at them on kit, but the amount of work to do them correctly as they're A-Symmetrical is scaring me to death. Not only the flaps, but the amount of work needed to correct the wing flap housing is a major undertaking. Think I'll just leave with them as is. Joel
FEB 28, 2015 - 08:04 PM
That's what I ended up concluding too. I would have made a mess of a perfectly good kit. Take care
FEB 28, 2015 - 11:39 PM