Gabreski's Last P-47, in 1:72

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Softscience
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Gabreski's Last P-47, in 1:72

Post by Softscience »

I'd like to share a few pics of my latest build. This is Academy's kit of the P-47D from the special "Gabreski" boxing (which also includes Francis Gabreski's F-86). The kit itself is typical of Academy's mid-1990s releases - meaning nice but simple surface detailing, and some soft and perhaps spurious landing gear and cockpit details. The decals; however, are by Cartograph and are really very nice. I used the supplied invasion stripe decals, and they fit perfectly. Apply with confidence!

The kit is painted with Tamiya's RAF colors. Along with flat red, flat yellow. Details were painted with Vallejo paints. I kept weathering to a minimum, as I didn't want to take away from the camouflage, which I think came out pretty nicely. I gave the model a wash of burnt umber oil, added a few paint chips, and that was about it.

The camouflage was done by thinning the paint to an almost watery consistency, setting the PSI as low as it could go, and then detaching the paint bottle once some paint got inside the brush nozzle. Then I just lightly misted it on. It was really fun. I used my old Paasche VL brush with the fine line attachment.


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The story behind this aircraft. Francis Gabreski (28 kills) had finished his tour of duty in England in July of 1944. Shortly before he was return to the States, he asked to fly JUST ONE MORE mission. The escort mission was uneventful, but on the return leg, Gabreski decided to hit the dirt and went down to strafe an airfield. During his attack run he literally hit the dirt, and bent his propeller. He was forced to crash land and was made a POW.

Let that be a lesson to all you overachievers out there! :-D
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Re: Gabreski's Last P-47, in 1:72

Post by vacant »

Wonderful job.
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Re: Gabreski's Last P-47, in 1:72

Post by iggie »

Spectacular build and the paint job is brilliant
Best wishes

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Re: Gabreski's Last P-47, in 1:72

Post by Clashcityrocker »

National insignia under both wings. I haven't seen that before.

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Re: Gabreski's Last P-47, in 1:72

Post by Softscience »

I thought it was weird too, but looking at photos, it seems legit.
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Re: Gabreski's Last P-47, in 1:72

Post by ShaunW »

That is a really great build, Ralph, excellent work with the camo scheme.
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Re: Gabreski's Last P-47, in 1:72

Post by skypirate »

Excellent freehand airbrushing, Ralph.
I have never tried painting a full set of markings as well!
Very nicely finished!

cheers,

David
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Re: Gabreski's Last P-47, in 1:72

Post by uavdb »

Lovely job on Gabby's Jug. The Academy Thunderbolts are nice, except the mlg legs are a bit too long, but they can be shortened.
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Re: Gabreski's Last P-47, in 1:72

Post by JohnRatzenberger »

Nat'l insignia under both wings of a P-47 was a standard recognition feature in the ETO for a time.

Ralph, that's great !! The work you did with the camo really make sit look like the period photos. WOW !!
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Re: Gabreski's Last P-47, in 1:72

Post by Marek »

Fine result!
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Re: Gabreski's Last P-47, in 1:72

Post by dollar19 »

Very impressive Ralph. Great job on the camo.
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Re: Gabreski's Last P-47, in 1:72

Post by Softscience »

Thanks you all, very much for the kind comments.

They really mean a great deal to me.
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Re: Gabreski's Last P-47, in 1:72

Post by celt »

Well tidy Jug,well tidy indeed.
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Re: Gabreski's Last P-47, in 1:72

Post by Stupot »

Nice work Softscience!

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Re: Gabreski's Last P-47, in 1:72

Post by LarryH57 »

It amazes me that any USAAF unit would want a two tone camo finish that could be so easily mistaken for a Luftwaffe aircraft among so many all over silver P-51s and P-47's in 1944?
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