Krusty,
Here is a cyber source, http://www.cradleofaviation.org/history/aircraft/p-47/4.html. I believe many of those B were kept stateside for training. I can offer you print sources when I get back from sea if you like.
Many thanks, Seadog. You are correct!!! Although... While you are correct, I think it still proves my point. The Cs were in service all of about 1 month or so (going by the dates) and only had the few combat interactions.
"During the first week of April, all three P-47 Groups (4th, 56th and 78th) are formally declared operational. On April 8th, all three Groups turn out for a joint fighter sweep over France. Once again, the Luftwaffe ignores their presence. Several more sweeps are flown during the following days, all uneventful. Finally, on April 15th, Major Donald Blakeslee, of the 4th FG gets the P-47’s first kill by shooting down a Fw 190 near Dieppe. Two weeks later, the 56th loses two Thunderbolts when bounced by Focke Wulfs. They fail to shoot down any of their attackers. These fighters are replaced with the first P-47D models to arrive in the theater. Externally, the difference between the early D models and the P-47C is virtually undetectable to the untrained eye."
Next paragraphs go on to talk about P-47Ds and the photos dated show D models instead.
I disagree with you about the historical representation. While, yes, many razorbacks served longer and with retrofitted drop tanks, water injection, and any other number of field-fitted modifications bringing them up to the newer standards, what does that get us?
It gets us a D-25 with a graphical facelift. In short, it's an aesthetical change. It would offer no performance or mission capability beyond what is already modeled. In a pinch the D-25 more than handily substitutes for a number of razorback rides that predate it. Yes, I agree there is a graphical change, and to some that might be a deal breaker....
...however that aside it's really the same plane, you must admit.
